All posts by Ashton Hockman

Strategic Updates Archive

Annual Great Colleges to Work For survey: Your participation is needed 

The Great Colleges to Work For (GCTWF) survey is back! Today (March 21), all full-time faculty and staff should have received an email invitation to participate from Great Colleges with the subject line “2023 Drake University Great Colleges to Work For Survey.”

What is the Great Colleges to Work For survey? 

The Great Colleges to Work For survey is the primary employee survey used by the University to gather feedback on our workplace culture. The survey is administered by ModernThink, a management-consulting firm focusing on workplace quality in higher education.  More information about the Great Colleges to Work For survey is available at greatcollegesprogram.com. 

Why should I participate? 

Your voice matters and your responses help the University identify opportunities to improve workplace satisfaction and engagement. Your responses provide valuable insight into employee opinions and needs. Overall responses are reviewed to identify actionable areas for improvement over the next year. Last year, 65% percent of all full-time faculty and staff responded to the survey. This year, we are aiming for a 67% response rate. The higher the response rate, the more accurate and complete the results.  

Is participation mandatory? 

Participation is voluntary, although we do hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to share your feedback and make sure your voice is heard. A high response rate will help ensure an accurate representation of employee perspectives. 

Are my responses confidential? 

By having a third-party provider facilitate the survey process, your participation and the feedback you provide will be completely anonymous. No one at Drake will be able to trace results back to individuals. Drake will receive reports summarizing the results, but will not have access to any individual response data. Furthermore, ModernThink does not report back results for areas that have less than five respondents. Learn more by reading the  Statement of Confidentiality. 

When and how do I participate? 

The 2023 survey period begins Tuesday, March 21, and ends Tuesday, April 4. The survey is administered online by ModernThink. Full-time faculty and staff will receive an email invitation to participate in the survey from ModernThink on March 21. 

How long will it take to complete the survey? 

It typically takes about 10-15 minutes to complete the survey depending on the amount of feedback you provide. 

How is the data used and will the results be shared? 

Consistent with past practice, a summary of the university survey results will be shared with employees and will be used to identify our strengths and opportunities for improvement. All of our units on campus, with greater than five employees, will also have results shared with that unit-leader. Several key measures and targets in the University’s continuous improvement plan (CIP), and in many unit-level CIP’s, are tied directly to feedback from the survey. ModernThink also provides valuable benchmark data that we can use to compare our results against other similar institutions. This information helps senior leaders and individual units can make informed, strategic decisions about improving our culture. 

Can I complete the survey during work hours? 

Yes. Faculty and staff are encouraged to complete the survey during working hours. Completing the survey is an important contribution that you can make to strengthen our campus community. 

For further questions, contact Nate Reagen or Maureen De Armond.   

Thanks for your support in advance! 

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President; Maureen De Armond, Human Resources

Campus Announcements Archive

NCAA Tournament T-shirts in the Bulldog Shop, 20% off coupon

Congratulations to the Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams for winning their respective MVC Tournaments and receiving automatic bids to the NCAA Division I Tournament! The Bulldog Shop has NCAA Tournament T-shirts available for purchase online and in store this week.

Use this coupon to receive 20% off one item.

Bulldog Shop store hours:
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 10–2

Or, visit the Bulldog Shop online.

— Kelly Foster, Business & Insurance Manager

Strategic Updates Archive

It’s almost here! Drake’s All In 24-Hour Giving Challenge is March 2–3

The All In 24-Hour Giving Challenge is our opportunity to support, share, and celebrate everything that makes this University and our students exceptional. For the past nine years, the Drake community has come together in inspirational ways to go All In for this University. This year, as we mark our 10th All In, we are excited to announce an overall matching challenge: if we reach our goal of 1,250 gifts, we will unlock $110,000 for Drake!   

In addition to the overall match, there are also tens of thousands of incentives available with specific challenges for each college and school, athletics, fine arts, students, first-time donors, and more. A gift of any amount, to any area, will be doubled or even tripled through these generous matching opportunities. When you support Drake during All In, you are embracing and empowering the innovations, connections, achievements, and opportunities that happen here each day. 

New this year for Drake faculty and staff:

  • In celebration of your support to All In, Griff II wants to honor faculty and staff. Departments with a participation rate of 75% or higher will be entered into a drawing for one of two prizes:

    1. Professional headshots with Griff II
    2. Treats delivered by Griff II to your department
  • Any Drake faculty or staff member that makes a gift during All In will be entered into a drawing for a free parking pass for Commuter Tier II Parking Lots (valued at $125).
  • When you make a gift to the area that means the most to you, Vice President for University Advancement, John Smith, AS’92, GR’00 and, Mary Kay Smith, AS’91, GR’07, will match your gifts up to $4,500. John and Mary Kay are also proud Drake parents of a 2021 graduate. 

Join your fellow faculty and staff and go All In for our Bulldog community March 2–3. Learn more at drake.edu/allin and follow all the fun and excitement on the Drake University and Drake Alumni social media channels.

Reach out with questions to Laura Roling, director of annual giving, at laura.roling@drake.edu.

— Laura Roling, University Advancement

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Provost’s Drake Social tomorrow

Drake faculty and staff who exemplify the Core Value “All in This Together” will be recognized at the Provost’s Drake Social Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the Cline Hall Atrium beginning at 4 p.m.

All those nominated will be recognized on a rolling display at the event. Several nominees will be chosen at random for prizes.

Refreshments will include wine, beer, soft drinks, and an assortment of light snacks. This is a family friendly event. Please feel free to bring your children and partner.

— Madison Bemus, Provost’s Office

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

All In 24-Hour Giving Challenge March 2–3

The All In 24-Hour Giving Challenge is our opportunity to support, share, and celebrate everything that makes this University and our students exceptional. For the past nine years, the Drake community has come together in inspirational ways to go All In for this University. This year, as we mark our 10th All In, we are excited to announce an overall matching challenge: if we reach our goal of 1,250 gifts, we will unlock $110,000 for Drake!   

In addition to the overall match, there are also tens of thousands of incentives available with specific challenges for each college and school, athletics, fine arts, students, first-time donors, and more. A gift of any amount, to any area, will be doubled or even tripled through these generous matching opportunities. When you support Drake during All In, you are embracing and empowering the innovations, connections, achievements, and opportunities that happen here each day. 

For Drake faculty and staff: In celebration of your support to All In, Griff II wants to honor faculty and staff. Departments at Drake University with a participation rate of 75% or higher will be entered into a drawing for one of two prizes:

1) Professional headshots with Griff II
2) Treats delivered by Griff II to your department

Join your fellow faculty and staff and go All In for our Bulldog community March 2–3. Learn more at drake.edu/allin and follow all the fun and excitement on the Drake University and Drake Alumni social media channels.

Reach out with questions to Laura Roling, director of annual giving, at laura.roling@drake.edu.

— Laura Roling, University Advancement

Campus Announcements Archive

Dean of Admission search update

The University has officially launched its search for a Dean of Admission. Among the top priorities for this key leadership role are designing and implementing a comprehensive and integrated enrollment strategy; developing and executing a data-driven, dynamic plan for recruitment; and promoting maturation in enrollment management across the institution. The position listing can be found here.

The search committee will be working against the following milestones:

  • Friday, March 3 – Deadline for applicants
  • March – selection of candidates; video interviews; final candidate selection
  • April – On-campus interviews; finalist selected
  • Early May – Offer extended

If you have thoughts or questions about the process, please reach out to search committee co-chairs, Kelly Bruhn or Kevin Saunders.

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

In Memoriam: Mary Alice Hill

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Mary Alice Hill, retired human resources director. Mary Alice passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 26, at her home in Clive. Mary Alice was a valued, dedicated, respected, and talented member of the Drake community who will be deeply missed by those who had the privilege of calling her a colleague and friend.

During Mary Alice’s time at Drake, she led enhancements to several HR programs, including staff recognition, professional development, and employee wellness. However, it is her kindness, thoughtfulness, positive attitude, and smile that will be remembered most. 

Scott Raecker, executive director of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, said it best: “Mary Alice was the epitome of our Drake Core Values in action. She always brought her best self to work, assumed the best in everyone, was always looking for All In opportunities for our campus, and had a tremendous commitment to our mission. Mary Alice transformed lives and strengthened not only our Drake community but the broader Des Moines community.”

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 10, at 11 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines. The service will be livestreamed from http://hopeonline.tv/specialevents.

Please share your memories of Mary Alice at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com as hearing stories about her is greatly appreciated by her family. Or, if you are attending the service, please bring a written note. You can read Mary Alice’s obituary here. 

— Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

Campus Announcements Archive

Introducing Bulldog Born, Drake’s new legacy program

Alumni Relations is excited to introduce Bulldog Born, Drake’s new legacy program for the children and grandchildren of Drake alumni. Bulldog Born builds upon the life-long connection that Drake students form with the University, while revamping traditional offerings of the program. Children enrolled in the program will receive complimentary gifts to help commemorate some of their biggest milestones, such as birthdays and graduations. Learn more, spread the word, or enroll a child in your life: alumni.drake.edu/bulldogborn.

— Andy Verlengia, Office of Alumni Relations

Strategic Updates Archive

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service events

Drake students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate in an educational or volunteer activity to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023. MLK Day of Service is observed the third Monday in January as a “day on, not a day off,” and is one of two federally-recognized national days of service.  All events listed are on Jan. 16, unless otherwise noted.

10th Annual MLK Jr. Prayer Breakfast – 7:30–9:30 a.m., Drake University Knapp Center. Presented by John R. Grubb YMCA. The theme of the 10th Annual Prayer Breakfast is The Quest for Environmental and Climate Justice. This event will gather various community residents, leaders, and agencies to join in fellowship through a dialogue on environmental justice in Iowa. Keynote will be delivered by Dr. Robert D. Bullard, a distinguished professor and award-winning author known as “The Father of Environmental Justice.”  Register in advance.

MLK Day of Service at CYC – All are invited to join for service projects at King Elementary (1849 Forest Ave, Des Moines) from 1–4 p.m. Additionally, from 1:15-2:15pm, there will be a leadership workshop for middle school students, and from 2:45-3:45pm a leadership workshop for high school students.  Please RSVP using the link, CYC’s 2023 MLK Day Registration, or by emailing mollie@cyconcepts.org.

MLK Day Celebration: The Beloved Community: Hope + Elim will host an event from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. to include worship, musical performances by Bridges to Harmony and Genesis Youth Foundation, and an inspiring message from guest speaker Sam Acho, an ESPN football analyst, nine-year NFL veteran, author, and ambassador to International Justice Mission. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable items to be shared with community members in need. To-go meals will be handed out as people leave. The event will be live-streamed. They will also host a Meals from the Heartland packaging event on Saturday, Jan. 14.

Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Multicultural Reception and West Des Moines MLK Day Celebration – 3:30–6 p.m. at the MidAmerican Energy RecPlex. The Greater Des Moines Partnership will host a Multicultural Reception in partnership with the City of West Des Moines, the West Des Moines Human Rights Commission, West Des Moines Schools, West Des Moines Historical Society, Des Moines University, Polk County, Taste of the Junction, Meals from the Heartland and the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. The theme is “The Time is Always Right to Do Right,” in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.  The event will begin with a roundtable discussion from 3:30–4:15 p.m. where attendees will have the opportunity to discuss a variety of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)-related topics of importance to their organization and the community. A beverage and appetizer reception will begin at 4:15 p.m. with brief remarks around 4:30 p.m. and continue until 6 p.m. 

Forest Ave. Library MLK Day Celebration, 4–5 p.m. at the Forest Ave. Library. Keynote speaker is community leader Jacquie Easley McGhee, the division director for health equity, diversity, and inclusion for MercyOne. She is also the health chair for the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP, and in 1990 became the first Black woman to serve on the Des Moines School Board. Live ASL interpretation will be onsite for the speakers, funded by the Forest Avenue Library Brick Fund. After introductions by Des Moines Public Library Director Susan A. Woody, Jacquie Easley McGhee will speak, followed by a Q-and-A session. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Forest Avenue Library Brick Fund.

Free Tours of the Jordan House Museum, Sunday, Jan. 15, 1–3 p.m. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, free tours of the historic Jordan House will be available. The Jordan House is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program.  There will be a book giveaway or “The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.” and “It Starts With Me.”

MLK Packaging event at Meals From the Heartland – Volunteer for a 90-minute shift between 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. to package meals for the hungry here in Iowa and around the world. Sign up in advance.

Undesign the Redline Exhibit – Take a virtual tour of this Polk County Housing Trust Fund exhibit, which provides background on federal policies started in the 1930s showing which neighborhoods were worthy of investment specifically due to the race, ethnicity, and class of residents. These policies had a profoundly negative social and economic impact on those living in “undesirable” neighborhoods, especially African American residents, that persist to this day.

Free Skating with Donations at Brenton Skating Rink, 12–9 p.m. Receive free admission to Brenton Skating Plaza with a food or clothing donation.  Donate non-perishable food items or adult-sized new socks. One item = one customer receives free admission. Two items = one customer receives free admission and free skate rental. Walk-up registration only. Donations will support Central Iowa Shelter and Services.

Take some time to educate yourself on a topic of racial justice. Read a book, listen to a podcast, watch a documentary, and dialogue with others on what you’ve learned. 

Learn about additional volunteer opportunities at www.drake.edu/dugood.

Strategic Updates Archive

Lightning round: Getting to know Tim Albers, Interim Dean of Admission

In addition to the welcome message from Provost Mattison below, we wanted to share a few fun facts and personal preferences about new Interim Dean of Admission Tim Albers that you won’t find on his LinkedIn page.

  1. Hometown? I was born in Pekin, Ill., but moved to Colorado when I was four years old and grew up in Salida, Colo.
  2. Coffee, tea, or juice?  COFFEE!!!
  3. Summer or winter?  Fall
  4. PC or Mac? Android or Apple?  PC and Android! (I have an iPhone because my family members are iPhone folks)
  5. Favorite food? Mexican food of any kind and Japanese hibachi
  6. Favorite vacation/place you’ve visited?  I loved Hawaii (north shore Oahu) but hated the flight there and back!
  7. Dog or cat person (keep in mind Griff II is reading this)? Bulldog, of course
  8. Favorite thing about Drake or Des Moines so far? The people! I am impressed by the staff and faculty I’ve met, and I had a chance to watch alums at the Drake Diner after the basketball game on Saturday. I really enjoyed “eavesdropping” on some nearby conversations. The love folks have for Drake is impressive.
  9. Early riser or night owl? Night Owl
  10. Favorite thing to do in your spare time? I enjoy working on my cars. I also like snowshoeing and going to sporting events
  11. Most admired person? Abraham Lincoln. Read the book “Lincoln on Leadership”
  12. Best concert or favorite band? Best concert was Willie Nelson; Favorite Band is Boston (am I allowed to admit that?)
  13. You have a degree in mining engineering. Why this major? I grew up in the mountains in Colorado and fell in love with the mega-sized equipment that mines use, and the complicated processes to process ores. 

A few words from Tim:

“I am thrilled to join Drake University! As the Interim Dean of Admission, I’m honored and excited to work with the great admissions, financial aid, and marketing teams already in place at Drake. I will work to make sure that the strategies and efforts already in place will continue successfully. I am also thrilled to be part of a university with a strong reputation and with so much to offer to its students, alumni, staff and faculty.”

A welcome message from Provost Mattison

I am writing to formally welcome Tim Albers as Interim Dean of Admission. Tim is filling the role of Annie Kremer who has decided to leave Drake after 6.5 years of dedicated and exemplary service. Tim officially began his duties yesterday and will serve in his role until a permanent Dean of Admission is in place.

Tim has more than 20 years of experience in undergraduate admissions and has a passion for developing and implementing strategic plans that increase enrollment and improve retention. Tim comes to Drake from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota—one of our peer institutions—where he served as Vice Provost for Enrollment Management. In this role, he supervised undergraduate and graduate admissions, financial aid, registrar, student central services, and enrollment operations.

He is no stranger to the enrollment challenges facing traditional campuses across the country. While at Saint Mary’s, Tim chaired the Presidential Enrollment Council to address current enrollment issues and spearheaded several new initiatives around transfer credit programming and retention.

Throughout his career, Tim has demonstrated his commitment to diversity, equity, and access for all. Prior to Saint Mary’s, Tim served at Missouri University of Science and Technology for six years as the Director of Recruitment Marketing and Enrollment Development and then later as the Dean for Enrollment Management. It was here that he focused on improving recruitment programs for diverse student populations. He also chaired the Access2Success Committee, a national organization devoted to increasing equity for underrepresented students.

During his time at Missouri S&T, the University achieved record enrollment institution-wide as well as within the College of Arts Sciences and Business. This included record enrollment of underrepresented student groups. S&T also yielded its largest first-year class in history under Tim’s leadership.

Tim holds a Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Enrollment Management from Capella University and a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.

The search for Drake’s next Dean of Admission is underway. We are in the process of convening a search committee of deans, faculty members, senior administrators, staff, and students to partner with us on this critically important search. I will keep you updated as the search progresses.

In the meantime, I am grateful for Tim’s exceptional leadership abilities. He brings a wealth of expertise and experience to Drake and has jumped into the role with enthusiasm and energy. I’m very much looking forward to working with him.

— Sue Mattison, Provost