The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement has been selected to partner with the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) on efforts to engage diverse populations in support of healthier food environments.

This grant will allow the Institute to continue its work identifying programs and policies that can help strengthen nutrition and public health benefits of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Earlier this year, the Harkin Institute and CSPI published the report, “Strategies to Improve Healthy Eating in SNAP: An Iowa Perspective,” which offers recommendations to inform the potential impact, feasibility, barriers and supports for future pilot projects to test strategies to better support healthy eating among SNAP recipients.

— Emily Schettler, Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement

The new Tom and Ruth Harkin Center has achieved three Green Globes, which is the highest rated project in the state of Iowa and the first project in the state to receive this level of rating. Some of the features that contributed to the success of the project include: native landscape plantings, stormwater management on site, an all-electric building with a VRF mechanical system, daylighting in all occupied spaces, providing a view to the outdoors to all occupied areas, utilizing recycled and low-emitting materials for building finishes and providing low-flow with energy-star plumbing fixtures throughout.

The Ruth and Tom Harkin Center at Drake University has recently completed the comprehensive Green Globes building certification process that started at the beginning of concept design and tracked the project through completion of construction. This third-party building certification program measures the reduction of environmental impacts and use of environmental efficiency practices for new and existing building projects. The program breaks down a building’s environmental impact over seven different sections and scores are compiled as a percentage of the total points achieved by the project (1,000 points total); with the final rating given from one to four Green Globes. The Drake University campus-wide goal is to meet a minimum of two Green Globes on any new construction project.

— Michelle Huggins, Planning and Design Manager

The master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis has launched a 4+1 program (currently open to juniors who have met all the prerequisites: 3.0 GPA, junior standing, PSY60 and SPED153). Applied Behavior Analysis builds upon the science of learning and behavior to address and address and impact socially significant behavior change across various settings (e.g., clinical, school, organizational) with different populations (e.g., children with autism or other developmental disabilities, children who engage in challenging behavior, adults in residential settings, organizational behavior management). Below is a video that provides information on the ABA program at Drake. If you have questions about admissions or the admission process, contact Pamela Moore (pamela.moore@drake.edu). If you have questions about ABA, the curriculum, or career options within ABA, contact Dr. Valdovinos (maria.valdovinos@drake.edu).

ABA program informational video: https://drakeedu.sharepoint.com/:v:/s/acad-as-aba/Ea4M2hG6qVRHg_eHpZJaAI8BAhx1yI52zEQvm5F4YMj-7Q

Report referenced in video: https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/US-Employment-Demand-for-Behavior-Analysts_2020_.pdf

ABA program website:  https://www.drake.edu/aba/

— Maria Valdovinos, Professor of Psychology

The Business Record has announced the 2021 Forty Under 40. You can see all the names here: https://www.businessrecord40.com/. You might be particularly interested in learning that at least one Drake graduate (from our SOE counseling and doctoral programs) and one Drake employee are being honored. We are so proud of you, Anthony and Gregory—Congratulations!

Anthony Ferguson Jr. – Director for Equity, Inclusion and Diversity | West Des Moines Community Schools

Gregory Lin – Assessment Coordinator | Drake University

— Catherine Gillespie, Associate Dean, Professor of Education

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The College of Business and Public Administration’s eighth annual Murphy Cup followed the same format as in the past with one big twist—it was carried out entirely on Zoom.

From Feb. 25–27, marketing students from Drake and Creighton joined forces on six teams to present their best recommendations to a real-world problem posed by client UnitedHealth Group. Social and entertainment activities were scattered throughout the event to help participants stave off Zoom fatigue. In the end, students, faculty, and UHG representatives were as pleased with the outcome as in years past.

With co-winning teams announced by UHG Chief Marketing Officer Terry Clark, Drake students Layne Burdette, Matthew Dieleman, Natalie Meyer, and Emily Wilcox were crowned champions. Additionally, Julia Lanzel received the Most Outstanding Presenter award while Kristen Tollas earned honors as the Most Effective Leader.

— Kathy Hickman, College of Business & Public Administration

Brandi Miller, assistant director of new student programs in the Office of Student Financial Planning, has been voted President Elect of the Iowa Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (IASFAA). Brandi has 21 years of experience in financial aid administration and has been actively involved in the work of IASFAA, most recently serving as treasurer. This peer-bestowed honor is fitting recognition of Brandi’s professional achievements and her tireless advocacy for students with financial need. Please join me in congratulating Brandi!

— Ryan Zantingh, Director of Financial Aid

During the annual Health Professions Day (formerly Pharmacy and Health Sciences Day) held on Feb. 25, the College of Pharmacy and Health Science presented various awards to students and faculty members. 

Third-year pharmacy student Carissa Popp was honored with the Richard Morrow Transformational Student Leadership Award. This award recognizes a student whose transformative work goes above and beyond.

Third-year pharmacy students Caroline Jones and Isabelle Tharp were honored with C. Boyd Granberg Professional Student Leadership Awards. This award recognizes students who have displayed excellence, with a preference for students who have been involved professionally and have taken on leadership roles.

Dr. Shankar Munusamy, MPharm, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmacology, was named the Hartig Distinguished Professor. This award recognizes a faculty member who has distinguished him or herself in teaching, scholarship, service, or practice. 

Dr. Andrew Miesner, PharmD, BCPS, associate professor of pharmacy practice, was honored with the C. Boyd Granberg Professional Leadership Award. This award is given to a faculty member who is committed to professional organizational leadership—both for themselves and among students. 

Dr. Erik Maki, PharmD, BCPS, associate professor and department chair of clinical sciences, was honored with the Richard Morrow Transformational Leadership Award. This award recognizes a faculty member whose transformational work has gone above and beyond. Transformational leaders focus on team-building, motivation and collaboration with colleagues to accomplish change for the better. They identify a needed change, create a vision to guide the change through inspiration, and execute the change through collaboration.

The College’s Student Governance Association’s Awards included: 

Jill Batten, M.Ed., director of student affairs, CPHS Teacher of the Year 

Dr. Jared Butler, PharmD, BCPS, DPLA, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, CPHS Preceptor of the Year 

Megan Brady, Ed.D, LAT, ATC, assistant professor of athletic training, CPHS Mentor of the Year 

Mark Vitha, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, Non-CPHS Teacher of the Year 

— Kaylyn Maher, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences