Event to discuss strategies for local leaders to address rapidly shifting challenges As municipal leaders across the country navigate a rising tide of economic, social, and political pressures, Drake University is convening the 2026 National Civility Summit for Local Government. The summit is hosted by The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center in association with The Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy, the Iowa...
Category: Official News Releases
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Voices of Drake: Natasia Johnson
This Q&A is part of the story series Voices of Drake that highlights the diversity, ambition, and passion of the incredible people who make up our campus community. In recognition and celebration of Black History Month, we will be sharing a collection of interviews to spotlight Black voices in our community. This week’s story highlights Drake junior Natasia...
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Drake University Launches Joint Law and Education Graduate Degree Program
Students can simultaneously earn a Juris Doctor and Ph.D. or Ed.D. on an accelerated track The Drake University Law School and the School of Education have established a new joint degree program that enables students to earn a Juris Doctor from the Law School alongside either a Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.) or Doctor...
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Drake University Names Hope Bibens as Next Dean of Cowles Library
Drake University is pleased to announce the appointment of Hope Bibens as the next dean of Cowles Library. Bibens, who currently serves as the associate dean of the library, will assume her new role on July 1, 2026. The appointment was approved by the Drake University Board of Trustees during their January executive session following a recommendation from University leadership. As dean, Bibens will...
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Drake University’s “Griff-Hog Day” to Predict Weather Conditions for 116th Drake Relays
Forget Punxsutawney Phil, next Monday, Feb. 2, as the nation turns its eyes to Pennsylvania for Groundhog Day, Drake University is launching a spirited new tradition with the inaugural “Griff-Hog Day.” Students, alumni, and fans will gather at Drake Stadium to hear the Griff-Hog’s exclusive prediction on whether the 116th Drake Relays will see clear skies and warm...
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Drake University Names Joseph M. Valenzano III as Next Provost
Drake University is pleased to announce the selection of Joseph M. Valenzano III as the University’s next provost. Valenzano, an accomplished academic leader and communication scholar, currently serves as the Dean of the College of Communication at Butler University. He will officially begin his duties at Drake on July 1, 2026, upon the planned retirement...
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Drake Law Professor Ellen Yee Receives Prestigious Fulbright Specialist Award
Drake University law professor and director of international programs Ellen Yee, J.D., received the highly selective Fulbright Specialist Program award. The U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board granted the award to Professor Yee for her upcoming work in Kosovo. Professor Yee will travel to the University Isa Bolentini Mitrovica in Kosovo...
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Drake Announces New Bachelor of Science in Disability and Rehabilitation Services
Program will help meet growing need for disability support services in the state Drake University announced today the launch of a new Bachelor of Science program in Disability and Rehabilitation Services. Enrollment in the program begins in the Spring 2026 semester. The new major is offered within Drake’s School of Education and is designed to...
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Drake University to Launch Third Faculty-Led Study Abroad Cohort in Seoul, South Korea
Following the success of its semester study abroad cohort programs, DU Spain and DU England, Drake University is launching its third cohort program, DU Korea, in Seoul, South Korea. Beginning in Spring 2027, Drake students will be able to spend a semester in Seoul alongside Drake peers through a partnership with WorldStrides and Konkuk University....