Charlie Cook is back to discuss the state of American politics and the 2026 primary season.

Register here

About

An Evening with Charlie Cook will take place on Wednesday April 15, 2026, at the Sheslow Auditorium and The Harkin Institute YouTube channel. The event offers an opportunity to hear insight and analysis on the state of American politics from one of the nation’s leading authorities on the U.S. political landscape. As the country moves through another pivotal election cycle, Cook will share his perspective on the 2026 primary elections, emerging political trends, and the broader forces shaping the national political environment ahead of the general election.

Cook is a political analyst for National Journal, founder of the Cook Political Report, co-author of recent editions of the Almanac of American Politics, and a member of the National Advisory Council for The Harkin Institute. Known for his nonpartisan analysis and deep understanding of electoral politics, Cook regularly provides insight on the evolving dynamics influencing campaigns, parties, and voters across the country.

An Evening with Charlie Cook is made possible by a generous gift from friends of The Harkin Institute and Drake University who wish to remain anonymous.

Accommodations

American Sign Language (ASL) and live captioning (CART) will be provided. Further accommodations can be requested on your ticket order form or by emailing harkininstitute@drake.edu

Learn more and register here.

— The Harkin Institute

We invite members of the campus and alumni community to join us on Friday, April 24, from 2–3:30 p.m. in the Medbury Honors Lounge for remarks and light refreshments as we celebrate Charlene Skidmore’s many years of dedication to the Honors Program and to Drake University.

In recognition of Charlene’s remarkable legacy, the Honors Program will dedicate a plaque in her honor to be displayed in the Medbury Honors Lounge.

— Kendra Colbert, Drake Online and Continuing Education

Think you have what it takes to judge one of Drake’s most beloved traditions? We’re looking for two Bulldogs—one Drake alum or friend and one current student—to help crown the winner of the 47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest during Drake Relays week. Judges will meet the contestants, interact with their owners, and evaluate each pup based on appearance, personality, and Drake spirit. Apply today for a chance to take your seat at the judges’ table and help select the next Most Beautiful Bulldog. Applications close Monday, April 6 at noon.

Apply here: https://alumni.drake.edu/relays/beautiful-bulldog/beautiful-bulldog-contestant-judge-submission.

— Bruce Heintz, University Communications & Marketing

The 11th annual Griff Gives Back pet food drive is here! This year’s event holds special significance as it marks Griff II’s final donation drive as our live mascot. Griff II is rallying the Drake community to help him reach his goal of collecting 20,000 pounds of adult dog and cat food to support The Pet Project Midwest, a local pet food pantry.

Whether you donate via Griff’s Amazon Wish List, mail-in orders, or at his physical drop-off spots, every pound counts toward keeping local pets fed and with their families. We’ll celebrate the conclusion of Griff Gives Back at the Beautiful Bulldog Contest on Sunday, April 19, at the Knapp Center from 2–3 p.m.

— Erin Bell, University Communications & Marketing

Please join us for a special celebration of faculty research and academic achievementon Thursday, April 9, 2026, 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

Drake University Department of Theatre Arts invites you to our production of Little Women: The Musical, performing in the Performing Arts Hall of the Harmon Fine Arts Center April 2–4 at 7:30 p.m. and April 5 at 2 p.m.

The heartfelt story of the March sisters is brought to the stage! Experience the beloved characters of Louisa May Alcott’s book, and get swept away in the music and the journey. This “astonishing” classic is one you won’t want to miss.

Secure your tickets now by visiting the fine arts box office (located at the front of the Harmon Fine Arts Center), viewing the fine arts box office website, calling 515–271–3841, or emailing boxoffice@drake.edu.

— Ella Appelbaum, Theatre Arts Intern

The Summer and Fall 2026 schedule of classes and related registration information is available online. Registration begins Monday, April 6.

View registration information, including the registration time table that shows when you become eligible to register. View the schedule of classes.

Some courses will be temporarily reserved for students who have declared a certain field-of-study (major, minor, concentration, or endorsement). On Monday, April 20^th, those reservations will be removed. Note that some courses have restrictions that are permanent.

If you are an undergraduate or pharmacy student intending to make any changes to your field-of-study and have those changes take effect before registration begins, file your changes via the change of record request no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 30^th. Requests submitted after this date may be delayed.

The change of record request can be found by navigating to myDrake, selecting Self-Service under commonly used apps, and clicking on the link for the change of record request under Student Records.

— Ryan Trump, Office of the Registrar

The Drake Undergraduate Science Collaborative Institute (DUSCI) will host ~10 summer research fellows for an eight-week, full-time, paid summer research experience from May 26 through July 17, 2026.

The DUSCI Summer Research Fellowship Program offers STEM and STEM education students an opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor on a significant research project. Fellows gain valuable hands-on research experience, problem solving, and professional communication. The program helps students strengthen preparation for graduate study, health professions, teaching, research careers, and other STEM-related pathways.

Applications are due Wednesday, April 1 at noon, and should be developed and submitted by students in collaboration with a faculty research mentor.

This program is made possible through support from the Drake University President’s Office, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, School of Education, NASA- ISGC Base Program, and the Clifford G. Rea Endowment. Students doing research on campus in the summer with funding from other sources are invited to join the DUSCI cohort.

Additional program details, eligibility information, and application materials are available on the DUSCI website. Please reach out to Heidi.Sleister@Drake.edu with questions.

— Heidi Sleister, Director of DUSCI