After 21 years of dedicated service, Michelle Laughlin will retire from Drake at the end of May. Michelle began her role as Student Disability Services Coordinator in April 2005 and became Director of Student Disability Services in 2020. Over the course of her career, she has supported countless students and takes pride in helping to develop and expand academic coaching services within the Access and Success office.

A guiding quote in her work has been Henry Ford’s reminder: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Michelle has carried this perspective into her approach with students, encouraging them to view their disabilities not as limitations, but as part of their broader strengths and identities. She often reminds students that while everyone experiences challenges, it is how we respond to them that shapes our ability to navigate difficult days.

Michelle’s contributions have been recognized through the Sapphire Award in 2024, along with extensive service across campus committees. Her involvement has included serving as All Staff Council President, participation on the ASC Recognition and Events Committees, and service on the President’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities.

Reflecting on her time at Drake, Michelle shares: “I know there is more I could list, but right now I’m just thinking of gratitude. Mostly, I just want to say thank you. I have so many wonderful memories here. The people I’ve worked with and the students I’ve met have shaped who I am. I am proud of my time at Drake. I have learned more than I ever could have imagined and wouldn’t trade any of it for anything.”

Michelle’s legacy is one of compassion, advocacy, and unwavering support for students. She will be deeply missed by colleagues and students alike, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for her 21 years of service to Drake University.

Transition & Next Steps

Michelle will be in and out over the next month, so please direct any Access and Success inquiries to access.success@drake.edu. The Director of Accessibility position has been posted and is expected to be filled by June 1 to ensure continuity of service. Please feel free to share this message with your team as appropriate.

— Jenny Tran-Johnson & Sydni Jennings, Academic Excellence and Student Success

On May 2, 1979, NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising was founded. Every year, we take this week to honor the Faculty Mentors and Advising Specialists who provide the roadmap for student success.

To all our Drake colleagues who advise, mentor, and support: Thank you for all you do!

Here is how you can join the celebration next week:

For Students: Show Your Appreciation

• Send a thank-you note: Take a moment to send a thank you to the advisors and mentors who have supported your journey.
• Share your story: Email your college or school Associate Dean (listed here under College/School Advising Administrators) and let them know how your advising specialist, faculty mentor, and/or other advisors and mentors have made a difference for you.

Faculty & Staff: Connect and Recognize

• Connect and be inspired: Join colleagues for the webinar Advising Philosophies through an Appreciative Lens, hosted by the Office of Advising on Wednesday, May 6 at 11 a.m. in JSC 250 (Hayes Student Commons).
• Spread the positivity: Send a Starfish Kudos to advisees and mentees who are showing up, staying engaged, and taking charge of their success.

To all our Drake colleagues who advise, mentor, and support students, THANK YOU!

— Jill Batten, Strategic Director of Advising & Career Services

After ten years of dedicated and impactful service to Drake University, we invite you to join us in celebrating Provost Sue Mattison.

Throughout a decade of commitment, Sue has helped guide our campus through moments of both challenge and growth—from thoughtfully navigating the uncertainties of COVID, to playing a key role in continued academic excellence. Her steady leadership, insight, and care for students and colleagues alike have left a lasting mark on our institution.

Please join us as we gather to honor her legacy, share memories, and wish Sue the very best in her next chapter.

DATE: Wednesday, May 6
TIME: 1–3 p.m.
LOCATION: Levitt Hall, Old Main 
Light refreshments provided; short program around 1:30 p.m.

— Cheryle Anania, Office of the President

ITS is aware of an issue affecting AirPlay in some campus classrooms, which may impact teaching and presentations. In affected rooms, the classroom may not appear in the list of available AirPlay destinations. If you’re unsure whether a room is affected, you can check by opening AirPlay; if the classroom doesn’t appear as an option, the room is impacted.This issue is an unintended result of a recent network update. We’re actively working with our network vendor on a resolution; however, it’s unlikely the issue will be fully resolved before the end of the semester.

What to do in the meantime:

• Use the available HDMI cable connection in the room.
• If your computer doesn’t have an HDMI port, please bring the USB‑C multi‑port adapter that was provided when your computer was issued.

If you experience difficulty with classroom technology, contact the ITS Support Center via the service portal at service.drake.edu/its, by phone at 515‑271‑3001, or by bringing your device to the lower level of Carnegie Hall.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate everyone’s flexibility as we work to address this issue.

— Becky Klein, ITS

Drake University Facilities Planning & Management has announced a rescheduled power outage that will affect several central campus buildings on Tuesday, May 19.

The outage, originally planned for spring break, will now take place from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 19. During this time, there will be no power in the following buildings:

• Old Main
• Cole Hall
• Carnegie Hall
• Cartwright Law
• Opperman Law Library
• Olmsted Center

⚠️ Important Access Notice:
For safety reasons, all buildings impacted by the power outage will be strictly off limits for the duration of the outage. No access will be permitted between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. on May 19.

The outage is necessary to complete critical infrastructure work, including repairs to the transformer located outside Carnegie Hall and preventative maintenance and cleaning of the electrical switchgear inside Olmsted Center.

Facilities Planning & Management recognizes that power outages can be disruptive and appreciates the campus community’s cooperation and understanding. This work is scheduled during the first week of summer to minimize impacts and to ensure campus systems are fully operational ahead of Orientation and a very busy summer season of camps, conferences, and events.

Those who work, study, or normally use the affected buildings are encouraged to plan accordingly.

For questions or additional information, please contact Colin Atkinson, associate director, Facilities Planning & Management.

Drake University Law School will host its annual Constitutional Law Symposium April 11, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the James Albert Classroom, Cartwright Hall. Details and registration at drake.edu/conlaw/events.

This year’s symposium, “The Roberts Court, Executive Power, and the American Experiment in Self-Government,” brings together four notable scholars and legal experts to discuss the unitary executive theory, separation of powers, and what developments in executive power might portend for the American experiment in self-government. Proceedings will be published in the Drake Law Review.

Panelists include:

Andrea Scoseria Katz, associate professor of law, Washington University School of Law

Aaron L. Nielson, Charles I. Francis Professorship in Law, University of Texas at Austin School of Law, and former Solicitor General of Texas

Victoria Nourse, Ralph V. Whitworth Professor in Law, Georgetown Law School; vice chair, UnitedStates Commission on Civil Rights; former executive director of the Center on Congressional Studies

Peter M. Shane, Distinguished Scholar in Residence and adjunct professor, New York University School of Law; professor of law and Jacob E. Davis & Jacob E. Davis Chair in Law Emeritus, The Ohio State Moritz College of Law

The Drake Constitutional Law Center is one of only four such centers established by Congress. Throughout the year, the Center hosts multiple lectures and symposiums to bring the nation’s leading constitutional scholars to campus. The symposium is pending four hours of Iowa Continuing Legal Education credit. For more information, visit https://www.drake.edu/conlaw/events/.

— Taylor Johnson, Drake Law School

The following facilities will have adjusted hours during Relays week.

Bell Center

Thursday, April 23: 6:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

Friday, April 24: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday, April 25: CLOSED

Sunday, April 26: Normal hours

Underground Fitness Center

Thursday, April 23: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Friday, April 24: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Saturday, April 25: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (open to faculty and staff)

Sunday, April 26: Normal hours

Tennis Center

Thursday – Saturday: CLOSED

Sunday, April 26: Normal hours