Come out to Ron Buel Field on Tuesday, March 31, for a Drake softball doubleheader starting at 3 p.m. for Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day.
Enjoy $2 hot dogs and popcorn throughout the doubleheader!
— Colin Salig, Assistant Director of Athletics Marketing
We continue to work on establishing our Drake location at the City of Knowledge in Panama, that will offer academic programs beginning fall 2027. The initial offerings will include an accelerated B.S. in Data Analytics with a minor in Artificial Intelligence, delivered entirely in Panama. Additionally, a “2+2” pathway will be offered for students who want to begin their studies in Panama and complete their degree in Des Moines. This initiative, consistent with our other transnational education efforts, will allow us to serve more learners around the world; in this case, from Central and South America.
To support the launch of the Panama campus, Jerry Parker, Vice President & Dean of Students, will relocate to Panama in August for an 11-month appointment to oversee the location launch, standing up administrative operations and preparing our facility to receive our first cohort of students in fall 2027. Jerry has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and collaboration across the university, to include with our Admissions team. Jerry’s experience working with prospective students, families, and high school counselors and his Spanish language skills will be invaluable as we establish our new location in Panama.
During his time in Panama, Jerry will retain his title and many of his daily responsibilities. Additionally, Lynne Cornelius, Associate Dean of Students, will assume additional responsibilities to support this important initiative. I appreciate Lynne’s willingness to step up and have full faith in her leadership.
Using existing divisional resources, Student Affairs has elevated an existing position to Assistant Dean of Students, with a search currently underway. This role will oversee the day-to-day operations of the university’s student conduct system and care response under the direction of the Dean of Students Office, ensuring timely support and assistance for our students.
This adjustment supports the division’s long-term sustainability, and I am confident the Division of Student Affairs will continue to operate effectively with Jerry working remotely and Lynne providing leadership on campus.
— Marty Martin, Drake University President
Are you interested in keeping up to date with sustainability on campus? Sign up to receive the monthly Sustainability Newsletter.
Here you can see March’s newsletter.
Here you can see February’s newsletter.
Email sustainability@drake.edu if you have any questions or have an event you want to spotlight in the newsletter.
— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator
During the academic year, faculty and staff who exemplify Drake’s Four Core Values (Joyful Accountability, Generosity of Spirit, All In This Together, and Commitment to Mission) are recognized by their peers during select Provost Socials. If you missed out on any of the past socials, view the complete list of 2025–2026 Core Values Nominations.
If you would like to nominate a colleague to be recognized in the future, watch future editions of OnCampus for articles and links to the nomination form or contact Anne Marie Greenwood in the Provost’s Office.
— Anne Marie Greenwood, Office of the Provost
A celebration of faculty research and scholarship, showcasing the incredible contributions made by the Drake academic community will be held April 9 from 4–5:30 p.m. in the Cowles Reading Room. This event will provide an opportunity for us to recognize and honor the achievements of our faculty in advancing knowledge across a variety of fields.
Please help us to prepare by submitting this form with information about books you have authored, co-authored, or edited since January 1, 2025, as well as peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, and notable papers.
Your contributions are an essential part of our academic success, and we look forward to sharing them with our colleagues!
— Anne Marie Greenwood, Office of the Provost
Please join us for a special celebration of faculty research and academic achievement on Thursday, April 9, from 4–5:30 p.m. in the Cowles Reading Room. Faculty who submitted their recent publications will be featured on a rolling slide show, and their physical publications may be displayed. Please join us to celebrate the incredible contributions of our faculty.
Refreshments will include an assortment of light snacks and beverages.
— Anne Marie Greenwood, Office of the Provost
Some clutter is easy to overlook, especially the kind hiding on our devices or in desk drawers. Spring is a great time to clear out those forgotten spaces. To protect sensitive and personal information, start by reviewing your computer’s Downloads folder, which often becomes a catch-all for files you only need once. Delete old downloads, especially any containing private or confidential data, and move important files to intentional, secure folders with appropriate “share” settings. After deleting, remember to actually empty your computer’s recycle bin or trash to ensure those files are permanently removed. This not only makes your computer easier to navigate (and helps with performance) but also helps prevent accidental exposure of sensitive information. For more tips and guidance, check out our new Knowledge Base article: Spring Cleaning for Digital Security.
Spring cleaning season is also a good time to shred outdated physical paperwork, especially anything containing personal or sensitive information. Always follow University security best practices by securely destroying documents that contain data such as student records, financial information, or passwords. If a document is already stored securely online (using encrypted platforms like OneDrive or Teams), consider whether you really need a hard copy, and make sure your digital files are protected with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
Finally, take a moment to reflect on what you actually use. Letting go of files, documents, and materials you haven’t touched in months can help reduce clutter (both digital and physical) and make your everyday work a little smoother. Regularly reviewing and removing unnecessary information from your devices and workspaces is an important part of maintaining security and safeguarding the sensitive data you have access to.
— Becky Klein, ITS
As we plan breakout sessions for the Learning Symposium this fall, we would like to hear your perspectives on the future of higher education. The Learning Symposium is a day with ample opportunitiesto reflect and reconnect, to socialize with colleagues, to focus on our community, and to center ourselves for the year ahead. Please share your thoughts in this brief survey by April 10 so we can design breakout sessions that reflect what matters most to our community. We appreciate your feedback.
— Anne Marie Greenwood, Office of the Provost
Drake University Head Start Ankeny Toddler Teacher Heather Stemsrud has been selected as the Region VII Head Start Association 2026 Teacher of the Year. Heather will be recognized at the Region VII Head Start Association Fall Leadership Caucus in Kansas City in October. Congratulations Heather and thank you for service to children and families.
— Lisa Proctor, Head Start Program Director
Mark your calendars for the Sapphire Awards and Provost’s Social April 14 in the Cowles Library Reading Room.
The Sapphire Awards, hosted by All Staff Council, will begin at 3:30 p.m. The Provost’s Social will begin immediately following the awards presentation at 4 p.m.
An assortment of snacks and beverages will be available. As a reminder, the Provost’s Social is a family friendly event. Feel free to bring your children or partner.
— Anne Marie Greenwood, Office of the Provost