Category Archives: Archive

Faculty/Staff social + learn more about HLC accreditation

Faculty and staff are invited to attend a town hall meeting on Drake’s institutional accreditation review by the Higher Learning Commission on Thursday, Sept. 14, beginning at 4:15 p.m. in the Shivers Hospitality Suite. Kevin Saunders, director of institutional research and academic assessment, and Craig Owens, professor of English, will present a brief but compelling summary of our case for reaccreditation.

Please note the time of the social has been adjusted so that faculty and staff can also take in two other campus events: The Constitution Day lecture and reception from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Law School and the Women’s and Gender Studies social from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

During the social hour immediately following the presentation, guests can enjoy a beer, glass of wine, or non-alcoholic alternative, and reconnect with one another as we embark together on the beginning of the academic year. Worried about running out of things to talk about during the social? We’ve got you covered. An array of posters will bring the accreditation process to life and celebrate our many collective achievements since our last HLC review, nearly 10 years ago.

In addition to complimentary beverages, there will be snacks and popcorn. Parking is available nearby. There is no cost to attend.

Save the date: Future town hall and social events 
Each event will begin with an informational town hall, followed by a social.

  • Thursday, Oct. 12, 3:30–6 p.m., Shivers Hospitality Suite
  • Wednesday, Dec. 6, 3:30–6 p.m., Shivers Hospitality Suite
  • Tuesday, Feb. 6, 3:30–6 p.m., Shivers Hospitality Suite
  • Thursday, March 8, 3:30–6 p.m., Shivers Hospitality Suite
  • Wednesday, April 11, 3:30–6 p.m., Shivers Hospitality Suite

— Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost

What you can to support recovery efforts in Texas

Bulldogs are compassionate. This is especially true in times of disaster. We find ways to help each other and the communities of which we are a part. This summer, our country has experienced dangerous and devastating wildfires, flooding, and tornadoes. Now the Gulf Coast is being slammed by Hurricane Harvey.

There are different phases of disaster response: rescue, relief, and recovery.

  • Rescue is the work of immediate neighbors and first responders. Since the storm made landfall, southeast Texas remains in a rescue phase.
  • Relief lasts roughly 10 times longer than the rescue phase. The relief work is best completed by immediate neighbors and specialized volunteers and is best aided with cash donations; in the case of Harvey, relief could take up to 70 days.
  • Recovery lasts roughly 10 times longer than the relief phase. It will take 700 days or more for southeast Texas to recover. That’s two years in which outside volunteers are critical.

Here are some reminders about what to do when disaster strikes; we hope you will take to heart and share with your friends and relatives.

  • Do not self-deploy as a volunteer to a disaster area. We know you want to help, but food, water, shelter, and transportation are at a premium and the first priority is making sure that first responders and local residents can get what they need.
  • Donate cash. What most communities need is cash, not things. Find a reputable organization that is supporting the disaster response and recovery and contribute. They can buy what they need and not have to worry about sorting and storing donations, especially when storage facilities may be damaged or being used to shelter people. Here are some national disaster response organizations you may want to consider.
  • Sign up before you show up. When the time is right, if you are able to volunteer, make sure to find an organization and sign up. Capacity is stretched during disasters and you need to make sure that you can be utilized.

The Corporation for National & Community Service is keeping NationalService.gov/Harvey updated regularly as new information about volunteer opportunities and other needs develop.

—Renee Sedlacek, Academic Excellence & Student Success

 

Immediate opening for paid student graphic designer

This position is responsible for the design and development of marketing materials for the entire Recreational Services department. This position requires 8–10 hours per week (no nights or weekends). Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite is required and previous experience as a designer is preferred. Interested candidates should send résumé and portfolio to ellen.lowe@drake.edu.

—Ellen Lowe, Recreational Services

We heard you! 

Drake Dining has made some exciting changes based on your feedback. This year we’ve introduced unlimited meal swipes and extended hours! Students are no longer limited to a certain number of meal swipes per day. Plus, Hubbell Dining will now be open from 11 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch and from 5 to 7:30 p.m. for dinner.

—Jennifer Bowersox, Drake Dining Services

Register now for The Harkin Institute’s student luncheon series

The Harkin Institute kicks off its fall Student Luncheon and Reception Series on Tuesday, Sept. 21, with a student luncheon with domestic and international education advisor Christie Vilsack.

This series offers students the opportunity to visit with accomplished government, nonprofit journalism, political, and public policy leaders in a small-group setting. Guests of honor will informally discuss their careers, share information, answer questions, provide advice, and get to know the students.

Students interested in attending these exclusive events are asked to apply using the links below.

The Harkin Institute is hosting four student luncheons this fall:
 
Sept. 21 | Christie Vilsack, Domestic and International Education Advisor
Christie Vilsack served as the senior advisor for International Education at USAID from 2013 to 2016. In that position, Vilsack supported USAID’s Education Strategy goals to improve children’s reading skills, strengthen youth workforce skills, and provide equitable access to education in crisis and conflict settings, especially for little girls. She has committed her life to education and public service. Vilsack spent 25 years teaching secondary and college English and journalism. Her experience inside the classroom led to a focus on education and advocating for public libraries as Iowa’s first lady, as a candidate for Congress in Iowa, and now as an education advisor for colleges and universities.

Apply to attend The Harkin Institute’s student luncheon with Christie Vilsack: http://bit.ly/2gtVVWJ

Sept. 26 | Jimmy Small, President of the Iowa Speedway
Jimmy Small joined the Iowa Speedway as president in December 2013 after five years as a NASCAR employee. He manages the day-to-day operations of the Iowa Speedway, including facility operations, events promotion, business development, marketing, and communications. Small has also led public policy efforts for the Iowa Speedway at state and local levels, including ongoing state tourism development with the governor’s office.

Apply to attend The Harkin Institute’s student luncheon with Jimmy Small: http://bit.ly/2vuQ4XU

Oct. 5 | Noreen Otto, Vice President of Government Relations, Hy-Vee, Inc.
Noreen Otto works as vice president of government relations for Hy-Vee, Inc., where she works on a broad range of issue areas including taxation, food safety and labeling, transportation, workers’ compensation, and pharmacy. Otto has more than 10 years of government relations experience, including five with Hy-Vee. Otto serves as a board member for Progress Industries Iowa and previously held a seat on the Newton City Council.

Apply to attend The Harkin Institute’s student luncheon with Noreen Otto: http://bit.ly/2iKQxzq

Oct. 12 | Michael Fitzgerald, Iowa Treasurer
Michael Fitzgerald has served as Iowa treasurer for 35 years and is a leader in public service. As state treasurer, Fitzgerald is responsible for investing more than $3 billion of state operating funds, administering the state’s college savings program, and overseeing the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, which has returned more than $218 million in lost property to Iowans. Before being elected Iowa treasurer in 1982, Fitzgerald worked as a marketing analyst at Massey Ferguson Company.

Apply to attend The Harkin Institute’s student luncheon with Michael Fitzgerald: http://bit.ly/2vv4w2c
 
—Emily Schettler, The Harkin Institute

Grant writing workshop for students

Back by popular demand, Drake Writing Internships is offering a grant writing workshop for students wishing to gain experience in this valuable skill for their own projects or for their professional development. The workshop is open to all currently enrolled students, and will take place Sept. 15, 1–4 p.m., in Aliber Hall, Room 108.

Lance Noe, director of Drake’s Center for Professional Studies, will lead this year’s workshop. Lance is a sought-after speaker and consulting professional who offers a longer version of this workshop in the community. Drake students can benefit from an afternoon version of his grant writing workshop at no cost.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion. Refreshments provided.

Registration is required and seats are limited. Please email Lisa Boes at lisa.boes@drake.edu to reserve your spot. Or contact the Writing Internships Director, Professor Carol Spaulding-Kruse, for more information.

—Carol Spaulding-Kruse, Department of English

Define the Line: Respect the Line: Walk-in advocate office hours

If you or a friend need confidential support on campus and would like the communication to remain confidential, there are resources. A few of the counseling and crisis advocacy/support resources include:

  • Drake Student Counseling Center, 3116 Carpenter Ave. (located just west of Drake West Village and Subway), 515-271-3864.
  • Violence Intervention Partner (VIP), a peer-based hotline for support. Call or text 512-2972, available 24/7.
  • Professional advocate office hours in Cowles Library, Room 209, Wednesdays 1–4 p.m.

VIP and the professional advocate office hours listed above are resources for people who have experienced sexual harassment, intimate partner violence, sexual assault or stalking. They are also a resource for concerned friends. The role of an advocate is to walk alongside you as you weigh options, make decisions, or navigate systems. Advocates can connect you with resources, listen, safety plan and provide encouragement. Additional confidential resources can be found on the Title IX webpage.

—Katie Overberg, Title IX Coordinator; and Tess Cody, Prevention Coordinator for Sexual and Interpersonal Misconduct

Division of Student Affairs promotes Joe Campos to associate dean

The Division of Student Affairs/Student Life promoted Joe Campos from community standards officer to associate dean of students on Sept. 1.

In his new role, Joe will serve as the University’s liaison to the student body. He will provide leadership assistance to the dean of students, evaluate division policies pursuant to student life, provide support to students and families during crisis situations, keep the dean informed and connected to student organizations, and much more.

Joe graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and minor in psychology, and a master’s in educational leadership policy study.

He has more than 10 years of experience in higher education working with diverse student groups. Before coming to Drake, he served as the residence director of administration at the University of Illinois–Chicago and the assistant director of student conduct at Iowa State University.

Joe will play a vital role in enhancing the Drake experience for students, while upholding the values and responsibilities of the University.

Please congratulate Joe on his new position. He can be reached at 271-4199 or joe.campos@drake.edu. Or, stop by his office in Old Main, Suite 205.

— Jerry Parker, Dean of Students

CBPA welcomes new faculty and celebrates promotions

This summer, four new faculty members joined the College of Business and Public Administration. The college also celebrated the promotions of four professors.

Meet CBPA’s new faculty members:
Douglas Bujakowski, assistant professor of actuarial science and risk management, comes to Drake from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a graduate of Ohio State University with degrees in actuarial science and economics. He received his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in risk and insurance.

Doug is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He enjoys adventure sports and has participated in skydiving, canyoneering, flyboarding, mountain climbing, and whitewater rafting. His other hobbies include ping pong, running, and strategy games.

Anna Clark, assistant professor of public administration, comes to Drake from Texas Women’s University. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Denver. She continued her education at the University of Texas at Dallas where she received her master of public administration and doctorate of public affairs.

Before academia she worked as a baker’s apprentice, ran a law office, and sold cars. She grew up near Denver, Colo. She loves ethnic food and would welcome any suggestions for local Thai, Indian, Greek, or Lebanese restaurants.

Lendie Follett, assistant professor of business analytics, previously taught at Iowa State University where she also received her BS, MS, and doctorate in statistics.

In her free time, Lendie likes to cook delicious food, read good books, and go bird watching. She has two highly intelligent cats named Franklin and Ginger.

Denise Hill, associate professor of practice in public administration, is already a member of the Drake family. Previously, she taught in Drake’s Law School where she also received her JD.

Before law school, she completed her bachelor’s in political science and communications at Wartburg College and her master of public administration in state and local government at Drake.

Denise is an expert in health law, policy, compliance, and ethics. She was the 51st Youth Governor of New York State during the term of Mario Cuomo. The following year, she interned for Gov. Terry Branstad. Before discovering her passion for teaching and law, she was an athletic trainer during her first two years of college.

Promotions:
Congratulations to Deb Bishop, promoted to professor of practice in management and international business; Andy Norman, promoted to professor of marketing; Rick Long, promoted to associate professor of practice of finance; and Sean Severe, who achieved tenure and was promoted to associate professor of economics.

—Dianna Gray, College of Business and Public Administration

Drake Basketball Happy Hour

Join Head Basketball Coaches Niko Medved and Jennie Baranczyk for happy hour at Hotel Renovo in Urbandale as we approach the start of basketball season. All are welcome to attend so bring your family, friends, neighbors, and more! The fun begins at 6 p.m. Mark your calendars and join us on Sept. 13!

What: Basketball Happy Hour Party
Where: Hotel Renovo in Urbandale,11167 Hickman Rd.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 13, 6–8 p.m.
Who: All are welcome to attend
Why: Meet the head coaches and student-athletes while celebrating the rapidly approaching start of the college basketball season

No RSVP is required, but feel free to check out the Facebook event .

—Tom Florian, Drake Athletics