Are you a faculty member doing work in the humanities? If so, please consider signing up for the Drake Center for the Humanities listserv. This is the best way to find out about events, funding, and opportunities to engage with other faculty. Just send an email asking to be added to Holly Boorman (holly.boorman@drake.edu). Questions? Ask the director, Will Garriott (william.garriott@drake.edu).
— William Garriott, Law, Politics & Society
Did you know that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides tax benefits for education? The tax benefits can be used to get back some of the money you spend on tuition or loan interest or to maximize your college savings.
Even if you normally wouldn’t file a tax return because of your income level, be sure to do so. If you don’t, you could miss out on tax credits that would put money in your pocket.
Learn more about tax benefits for higher education here.
— Kristi Fuller, Financial Aid Office
Peer Academic Coaching and Tutoring is available to help with organization, study strategies, and course content support. Schedule through your Starfish Support Network and take a proactive step toward success.
— Sydni Jennings, Academic Success & Retention
The Board of Student Communications is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 academic year. You could be the leader of the Times-Delphic, Drake Mag, DUiN, Drake Broadcasting System, Periphery or Drake Political Review.
To apply, submit a resume and cover letter in PDF format to BSC co-chairs Professor Jeff Inman (jeff.inman@drake.edu) and SJMC Senator Cole Ferrao (cole.ferrao@drake.edu) by 5 p.m. March 13. Interviews will be held after Spring Break.
For more information, contact Professor Inman at jeff.inman@drake.edu.
The Ronald Troyer Research Fellowship Endowment was created to recognize Provost Ronald Troyer’s unwavering commitment to supporting faculty research and development at the highest level. At this time, the application process for the Troyer Research Fellowship is open and applications are due on Feb. 27. Interested applicants should click here to access the call for applications.
— Anne Marie Greenwood, Office of the Provost
The 3rd Friday professional development events are collaborations between the Center for Teaching & Learning, DUSCI, and the Center for Humanities.
On Friday, Feb. 20, at 11:30 a.m. join the CTL and DUSCI to hear from Dr. Andrea Van Wyke (Chemistry) about undergraduate research in SCB 101.
Then at 12:45 p.m. join the CTL and Humanities for a talk by Dr. Gesine Gerhard (History) about the “taste of power” in 1930s Germany. This will be in Collier-Scripps Hall, Room 301.
Following Dr. Gerhard’s talk, faculty and staff are invited to gather from 2–4 p.m. in Collier-Scripps Hall, Room 301. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
— Bret Sikkink, Faculty Development Specialist
Drake faculty and staff who exemplify the Core Value of All In This Together will be recognized at the Provost’s Social today (Feb. 17) in the Cline Atrium beginning at 4 p.m.
How do we define “All In This Together” at Drake? We look for colleagues who embrace robust communication and transparency, thriving through collaboration and teamwork.
Refreshments will include an assortment of beverages and light snacks. This is a family friendly event. Feel free to bring your children or partner!
— Anne Marie Greenwood, Office of the Provost
Have a question, idea, or concern you would like the All Staff Council Special Interest Committee to explore? Share your query and help spark research, collaboration, and solutions that support our campus community.
— Sydni Jennings, On behalf of All Staff Council
All Drake faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to nominate a colleague for the 2026 Madelyn M. Levitt Distinguished Community Service and Employee Excellence Awards.
The Employee Excellence Award is presented to a staff member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to excellence in the performance of their duties. The Distinguished Community Service Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of Drake faculty and staff to the Drake community. The criteria to be eligible for each of these awards can be found here.
To nominate a colleague, submit a letter of nomination to Human Resources. Nomination letters may be sent through campus mail or electronically to drakehr@drake.edu. The subject line should read “Madelyn M. Levitt Award Nomination”. The letter should detail specific examples of how the nominee exemplifies each of the applicable criteria. Additional letters of support are not necessary, but welcome. Nominations are due to Human Resources by Monday, March 2.
For additional information, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Bulldogs United in Learning & Development (BUILD) provides faculty and staff learning opportunities throughout the academic year to enhance professional skills, improve wellbeing, and create conversation. BUILD is a great platform for learning new ideas as well as an opportunity to collaborate with others from across campus.
The Spring 2026 schedule is available online and registration is open. Please take a moment to check out the classes on the Drake HR BUILD Offerings webpage, including detailed descriptions. There is an online registration link to a Qualtrics survey that makes signing up easy.
Most classes are only an hour in length, and many are facilitated by our own faculty and staff. This is a great way to invest in yourself, support your colleagues, and take in the culture that Drake has to offer.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources