All posts by Nate Reagen

2025 Great Colleges to Work For Results

The 2025 Great Colleges to Work For results are available here. Thank you to the 455 people who participated in the survey.

Our overall results were 66% positive; which is exactly the same score as our benchmark, peer institutions. Within the summary presentation, you’ll see areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

All unit leaders received results for their respective areas this summer and are working with their teams on prioritizing areas for improvement.

As a reminder, and it cannot be said enough, we are all a part of creating great workplace culture. Please find ways to connect with your fellow co-workers (especially across departments) through the many opportunities offered.  Whether it’s through Faculty Fridays, the Provost Socials, our book club, Wednesdays at Hubbell, or the many other opportunities to connect – please make some time to do so.

For any questions on the Great Colleges results, do not hesitate to reach out to Nate Reagen.

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President

Parents and Family Weekend Stretch and Restore

Take a moment to pause and reset during Parent’s Weekend with a calming stretching session with Drake Wellness. This beginner-friendly class is a great way for parents and students to unwind together, improve flexibility, and enjoy some mindful movement. No equipment or prior experience is needed—only comfortable clothes and an open mind. All are welcome.

🗓️ Date: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
🕒 Time: Two sessions at 9 a.m. AND 10:30 a.m.
📍 Location: Helmick Commons *Parent’s Hall for Inclement Weather

— Gail Witte, Rec Services

Meet the Author: John Dinges

Attend a special Meet the Author event with renowned investigative journalist John Dinges on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m. at the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center. He will discuss his new book, Chile in Their Hearts: The Untold Story of Two Americans Who Went Missing after the Coup, which uncovers the lives and deaths of Charles Horman and Frank Teruggi during Chile’s 1973 military coup and reexamines long-held assumptions about U.S. involvement. The conversation will be moderated by Alejandro Hernandez, former dean of Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business. This event is presented in partnership with Beaverdale Books. Learn more about the event.

— Kathryn Kuckelman, Harkin Institute

Drake Law to Offer Free Powers of Attorney, Living Will, and Simple Will Clinic

Drake University Law School and Dickinson Bradshaw will offer a free community clinic to help individuals prepare powers of attorney, living will, and simple will documents on Friday, Oct. 17. Participants may choose from on of these 3 sessions: 9–10:30 a.m., 12–1:30 p.m., or 4–5:30 p.m.

Each session will consist of a 45-minute overview about powers of attorney, living wills, and simple wills, followed by a one-on-one appointment with a licensed Dickinson Bradshaw attorney and/or Drake Law student to complete the required documents. Attorneys will be available to answer additional questions. Participants will have the opportunity to obtain signed and notarized documents for their files.

The clinic will be held in person in Cartwright Hall.

The clinic is being held as part of Drake Law and Dickinson Bradshaw’s recognition of Cady Day of Public Service. Cady Day of Service brings the community together to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of the late Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court Mark S. Cady.

THE PROGRAM IS FREE BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Register here.

— Theresa Howard, Law School

Business and Technology Career Fair Sept. 12

The annual Business & Technology Career Fair is coming up on Friday, September 12 from 10:00 a.m. – noon in Parents Hall, Olmsted Center. This event provides students with a valuable opportunity to meet with top employers actively seeking talent and True Blue Skills.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to spread the word and help students prepare to make the most of this event. Employers  will be on campus to discuss internships, full-time positions, and career pathways in business, technology, and related fields.

Students are encouraged to:

  • Register in advance
  • Dress professionally and bring copies of their resume
  • Be ready to introduce themselves and ask questions about career opportunities

The fair is not only for graduating seniors. First- and second-year students can also benefit by exploring career options, building connections, and practicing professional conversations.

Faculty can support student participation by integrating the event into class announcements, encouraging attendance, or offering reflection activities afterward. Faculty and staff are also welcome to attend to meet and network with employer partners.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with leading companies in business and technology and highlight the strengths of our students!

For more information, contact Career Services at career.services@drake.edu.

— Rebecca Muntz, Assistant Director of Career Services

Olmsted Lot Closure for Fall 2025 Career Events

Drake University will host several career-related events during the fall. To accommodate visiting employer representatives, the Olmsted Lot will be closed or restricted on the following day:

  • Friday, September 12 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
    Business & Technology Career Fair
    Parking: The Olmsted Lot will be closed for event parking. Those with parking passes for the Olmsted lot may park in any other Commuter lot with the exception of the Ray Promenade lot (lot 13) on Friday, September 12th.

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternative lots or transportation options on Friday, September 12th.

Thank you for your cooperation in supporting this important career development opportunities.

— Scott Law, Executive Director, Public Safety & Operational Services

3rd Fridays: Faculty in Community

The Center for Teaching and Learning is launching a new series of events to encourage community on campus this year. On the third Friday of each month, join faculty and staff at events throughout the day in the Howard Hall Faculty Lounge, Room 212. Events will include a book club, research and teaching talks, and facilitated conversations, culminating with a Faculty Social happy hour.

This month, the third Friday is Sept. 19. View the full schedule on the CTL News & Events page. Drop in whenever you are available!

— Bret Sikkink, Faculty Development Specialist

Books for Breakfast Returns Sept. 19

Join colleagues in the Howard Hall Faculty Lounge on the third Friday of each month this semester to discuss James Lang’s 2021 book “Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning“. Email bret.sikkink@drake.edu for a hardcover copy, or you can access the eBook through Cowles Library.

The first meeting will be on Friday, Sept. 19, starting at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the introduction and first chapter.

— Bret Sikkink, Faculty Development Specialist

Tuition Exchange Applications for 2026–2027

Tuition Exchange applications for the 2026–2027 year are available now (complete online via the links provided below). Students receiving Tuition Exchange for 2025-2026 should not complete another application. (Tuition exchange renews automatically, as long as the employee and student remain eligible.)

Full-time Drake employees are eligible to participate in tuition exchange programs, which offer waived or discounted tuition at other participating institutions for employees, their spouse/partner, or eligible dependent(s). More information about tuition exchange at Drake can be found here.

Details about each of Drake’s tuition exchange programs are provided below:

Tuition Exchange, Inc. (TE)
TE has over 700 participating schools. Visit tuitionexchange.org to learn more, view participating schools, and to submit an application.

Council of Independent Colleges & Universities Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP)
CIC-TEP has over 430 participating schools. Visit cic.edu/tep to learn more, view participating schools, and to submit an application.

Ryan Zantingh, Financial Aid Office