All posts by Thad Smull

For Staff Archive

Call for All Staff Council Nominations

 Do you know a staff member who would like to make an impact to strengthen the staff experience on campus? Nominate them (or yourself!) NOW for All Staff Council. The following three-year positions are available:

  • Chair-Elect: Sits on the Executive Board. Serves their first year as Chair-Elect, their second year as Chair, and their third and final year as Past-Chair.
  • Governance Committee: Finalizes the structure of All Staff Council by developing rules. Conducts yearly elections and attends to any rules changes, recommendations, or policies proposed.
  • Recognition Committee: Strives to make sure staff members are recognized and rewarded for a job well done, feel appreciated for the work they do, and are welcomed as valued members of the Bulldog community.
  • Special Events/Community Service Committee: Develops and implements plans for special events on campus and creates awareness of community service opportunities available for staff participation.
  • Special Interest Committee: Explores initiatives, questions, and/or concerns presented to All Staff Council through research, planning, and collaboration with appropriate offices on campus.

Nominations are due Friday, February 20 by midnight. Elections will be held in the spring. Newly elected members will begin their three-year term on June 1, 2026. Learn more about All Staff Council here.

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Drake Core Values Recognition at Provost’s Social Jan. 22

Drake faculty and staff who exemplify the Core Value of Generosity of Spirit will be recognized at the next Provost’s Social, Thursday, Jan. 22, in the Cowles Reading Room beginning at 4 p.m. 

How do we define Generosity of Spirit at Drake? We look for colleagues who trust, empower, and presume the best of others, practice civility, caring, and respect, and are committed to equity and inclusion. 

To nominate a colleague, please use the Qualtrics form. All those nominated will be recognized on a rolling display during the event.  When you nominate colleagues, be prepared to describe how each colleague meets these descriptions. From among those nominated, several will be chosen at random for prizes. 

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, Provost’s Office

Campus Announcements Archive

Inviting Nominations for the Madelyn Levitt Awards

In 1994, the Madelyn Levitt Awards were created in honor of Madelyn Levitt’s commitment to Drake and her ongoing interest in faculty and staff achievement and academic excellence. Each year they are awarded to various individuals in recognition of their excellence in a respective area of achievement consistent with Drake University’s mission and core values.

Invitations for nominations for the various awards are accessible via the respective links below. All Drake faculty, staff, and students are invited and encouraged to nominate a Drake faculty member for the appropriate award(s) per the instructions included therein.

 Nominations for the Madelyn Levitt Teacher of the Year Award.pdf

 Nominations for the Madelyn Levitt Mentor of the Year Award.pdf

 Nominations for the Madelyn Levitt Scholar of the Year Award.pdf

— Anne Marie Greenwood, Provost’s Office

For Faculty Archive

Inviting Applications for the Ron Troyer Fellowship

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, 2026. Interested applicants should click ​here​ to access the call for applications.

— Anne Marie Greenwood, Provost’s Office

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Reminder: Required System Updates Arriving Soon

This is a reminder that beginning this month, ITS will be rolling out essential system updates to all campus Mac and Windows computers. Please watch for update notifications and install them as soon as possible to ensure your device remains secure and up to date.

  • Windows devices: Will receive the Windows 25H2 update.
  • Mac devices: Will be upgraded to macOS Tahoe.

Updates will be delivered through your computer’s standard update process. Prompt installation helps protect both your device and the campus network.

If you need help or have questions, visit service.drake.edu/its or call the Support Center at 515-271-3001. Our team is ready to assist you.

Thank you for supporting campus technology security!

— Becky Klein, ITS

Campus Announcements Archive

New Year, New Gear from Bulldog Shop

Shop the latest Drake University merch from Bulldog Shop and upgrade your winter wardrobe with cozy layers, cold-weather essentials, and classic Bulldog pride. From everyday campus looks to gameday favorites, find something new to start the year strong.

Special Hours

January 12—18

Mon—Fri: 10 a.m.—4 p.m.

Sat & Sun: Closed

January 29—25

Mon-Fri: 10 a.m.—4:30 p.m.

Sat & Sun: Closed

Shop FavoritesOnline

For Students Archive

Become a Bulldog Shop Content Creator

Are you a student who loves social media, marketing, or communication? Looking to build your resume and earn extra income while having fun? Being a Bulldog Shop Content Creator might be the perfect fit for you!

What You’ll Do:

  • Act as the face of Bulldog Shop on campus
  • Create authentic, engaging content for social channels
  • Collaborate on creative campaigns
  • Enjoy a flexible schedule and a supportive team

Apply Now!

*This is a paid part-time position employed and compensated by eCampus.com.

— The Bulldog Shop

Campus Announcements Archive

Rec Services: J-Term Facility Hours and Fitness Schedule

Rec Services will have adjusted hours for J-Term (Jan. 5–25)

Bell Center
Monday – Thursday: 11:00am-8:00pm
Friday: 11:00am-6:00pm
Saturday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Sunday: CLOSED

Bell Center Pool
Check rec.drake.edu for updated hours.

Roger Knapp Tennis Center
Tuesday & Thursday: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Underground Fitness
CLOSED

*All Facilities CLOSED on Monday, January 19*

J–Term Fitness Schedule


Rec Services is offering Functional Fitness, BASIC Step Aerobics, and Kettlebells classes at the Bell Center from Jan. 13–22 from 12:15–12:45 p.m. Functional Fitness and Kettlebells are weight training classes, and Step is Gail’s attempt at feeling young again.  All three are great ways to get warm, get moving, and stay upright for as long as possible.

News & Achievements Archive

Drake Law School Dean Roscoe Jones, Jr. Appointed to Two National Leadership Roles

Drake University Law School is pleased to announce that Dean Roscoe Jones, Jr. has been appointed to two prominent national leadership positions, underscoring his leadership and Drake Law’s expanding presence in national conversations shaping the legal profession.

Dean Jones has been selected to serve as Co-Chair of the national board of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan nonprofit civil rights organization, formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to mobilize the nation’s leading lawyers as agents for change during the Civil Rights Movement. The Lawyers’ Committee implements its mission by marshaling the pro bono resources of the private bar to pursue civil rights.

Dean Jones has also been appointed to the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Deans Steering Committee, a national leadership group composed of law school deans from across the country. The Committee plans events and facilitates opportunities for deans to discuss emerging challenges to the legal profession, share insights, and recommend policy changes to the AALS Executive Committee. This appointment provides Drake Law with a platform to help shape national conversations about critical issues impacting the legal academy and the future of the legal profession.

These national appointments highlight Drake Law School’s growing reputation and influence within major organizations committed to justice, legal education, and professional development. Dean Jones’ service in these capacities will help further Drake Law’s mission to prepare students for leadership, advocacy, and public service at the highest levels.

— Taylor Johnson, Law School

For Faculty Archive

Fall 2026 FYS Call for Proposals

We are excited to invite proposals for the Fall 2026 First-Year Seminars (FYS). As a cornerstone of our first-year experience, the FYS provides a structured, welcoming environment where students begin building academic confidence, habits, and sense of belonging that will carry them through their Drake journey. These seminars provide incoming students with transformative opportunities to connect with faculty, peers, and ideas in meaningful and developmentally supportive ways.

To propose an FYS for next fall, please complete the Qualtrics proposal form before Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.

If you have any questions as you complete the proposal, contact Bret Sikkink (bret.sikkink@drake.edu) in the Center for Teaching & Learning.

—Kendra Colbert, Drake Online and Continuing Education