Dear members of the University of Iowa community,

Excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusion is a core value on our campus, and UI leadership reflects on the phrase often as we continue to strengthen efforts related to those important areas. The 2019-2021 Excellence through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan outlines goals and defines outcomes we hope to achieve through campus-wide collaboration over the next two years. 

The detailed action plan could not have been created without your invaluable input and participation in the campus climate survey, listening sessions, and contributions to the FY19 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Digest. You told us where and how we could be better, and the action plan steering committee used your thoughtful feedback to create challenging but achievable goals.

As outlined in our statement of purpose and mission (OM 2.1.3), the university is a community of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends who seek to advance knowledge and foster learning across a broad range of academic endeavors, which requires us to take seriously our obligation to protect academic freedom and free expression while maintaining an inclusive community in which people of different backgrounds can encounter one another and flourish in a spirit of cooperation, openness, and shared appreciation. When we work together, we are better. When we understand each other, we are stronger. When we value our fellow community members, we are a more connected community. 

This plan will build on our legacy, advance a more equitable environment, and promote inclusiveness on every level and for every person. It is designed to be a living road map to a better university—and the next step on our historic journey.

Thank you for being in partnership with us as we engage in the important work of making the UI a place where everyone matters.

J. Bruce Harreld, president
Sue Curry, interim executive vice president, and provost
Melissa Shivers, vice president for student life and interim associate vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion

Renewing our Commitment to Excellence through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The University of Iowa’s status as a premier research university depends on the robust exchange of ideas. The diversity of our students, faculty, and staff helps us fulfill our mission to explore, discover, create, and engage. Thus, we are committed to supporting every Hawkeye’s pursuit of excellence. As we enhance the breadth and depth of our perspectives, we purposefully prepare for our future. Our ability to foster an equitable and inclusive environment for all who join the UI family will determine our collective success. We eagerly accept this challenge.

At the UI, we achieve excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusion.

PResident's Cabinet

Shared Governance Leaders

Council of Deans

Gary Barta, director of athletics

Russell Ganim, Faculty Senate president

Daniel Clay, dean of the College of Education

Brent Gage, associate vice president for enrollment management

Dexter Golinghorst, Graduate and Professional Student Government president

John Culshaw, university librarian

Steve Fleagle, associate vice president, and chief information officer

Michael Hesseltine, Staff Council president

Sarah Gardial, dean of the Henry B. Tippie College of Business

J. Brooks Jackson, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

 

J. Brooks Jackson, vice president for medical affairs and dean of Carver College of Medicine

John Keller, interim vice president for research, associate provost for graduate education, and dean of the Graduate College

 

David Johnsen, dean of the College of Dentistry

Rod Lehnertz, senior vice president for finance and operations

 

Joe Kearney, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Peter Matthes, vice president for external relations

 

Donald Letendre, dean of the College of Pharmacy

Cheryl Reardon, chief human resources officer and associate vice president

 

Edith Parker, dean of the College of Public Health

Carroll Reasoner, vice president for legal affairs and general counsel

 

Alec Scranton, dean of the College of Engineering

 

 

Downing Thomas, associate provost and dean of International Programs

 

 

Tanya Uden-Holman, associate provost for undergraduate education and dean of the University College

 

 

Kevin Washburn, dean of the College of Law

 

 

Julie Zerwic, dean of the College of Nursing