Latest news with #UniversityOfIowa
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
The University of Iowa's College of Law has promoted its interim dean. What to know
The University of Iowa has named a new College of Law dean nearly a year after initiating a nationwide search. Longtime faculty member and current interim dean of the College of Law, Todd Pettys, will continue to lead the school for the next two years. The university plans to launch a national search for his successor before Pettys' term expires in 2027. Pettys has worked for the University of Iowa since 1999 and holds the H. Blair and Joan V. White Chair in Civil Litigation. He has been the interim dean of the school since Jan. 1. He was the college's associate dean for faculty from 2011 to 2015. Pettys has earned numerous honors for his expertise in constitutional law, federal courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court and is also an elected member of the American Law Institute. More: Group protests ICE in Cedar Rapids in show of solidarity with Los Angeles demonstrations 'While serving as interim dean of the College of Law, Todd has demonstrated strong, collaborative leadership that has guided the college through a seamless transition,' said Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost, in a news release. 'After conversations with many in the college, it became clear that Todd's deep institutional knowledge, national reputation, and commitment to the Iowa Law community make him the right person to lead at this time.' In December, the University of Iowa announced that it had "temporarily suspended" its nationwide search for a new dean. Former dean Kevin Washburn announced his resignation in May 2024. Washburn is still a part of the UI faculty and has led the college since 2018. More: University of Iowa eyes big upgrades like $28M tech lab renovation, medical campus water tower The university identified three finalists: Rebecca Ernst Zietlow, interim dean of the University of Toledo in Ohio; Melissa Mortazavi, the presidential professor of law at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma; and Lumen (Lou) N. Mulligan, dean and professor of law at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. 'I am humbled by the opportunity to continue leading Iowa Law during this important time,' said Pettys in a news release. 'I look forward to working with our extraordinary community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni to build on our strengths and continue moving the college forward.' The university said it needs more time to decide on a full-time dean. (This article has been updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.) Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@ or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_ This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: UI College of Law promotes Todd Pettys to dean through 2027
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The UI will use parts of $15M in funding on an art building reno, exercise oncology clinic
Tapping into its nearly $1 billion public-private partnership (P3) endowment fund, the University of Iowa plans to invest $15 million to support various projects across campus, anchored by a renovation, a new clinic, and initiatives aimed at staff retention. The P3 funding originated in 2020, when the Iowa Board of Regents approved the University of Iowa to enter a 50-year partnership with ENGIE North America and Meridiam. More: Finding connection and healing, how a free Iowa City yoga class is helping curb addiction ENGIE paid $1.1 billion upfront to manage the UI's utility system for 50 years. In 2020, the university spent $153 million to pay off existing debt and $13 million to cover consulting fees. The remainder of the upfront payment, around $999 million, will go into an endowment to fund the University of Iowa's Strategic Plan. The five priorities for the 2022-2027 plan include: excellence in teaching and learning, innovative research and creative discovery, welcoming environment, holistic well-being and success, and transformative societal impact. "The P3 program helps us turn great ideas into real progress," said Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost, in a news release. "By aligning our investments with areas of need and opportunity, we are achieving new levels of student success, faculty excellence, and impact across the university." The endowment allows "the university to invest about $15 million per fiscal year." Here is how the University of Iowa will use the $15 million in fiscal year 2026: The University of Iowa is investing $3 million to renovate the Performing Arts Annex (formerly the Old Museum of Art) at 150 North Riverside Drive, which will become the home of the Department of Dance. The $37 million renovation that will transform the 88-year-old building into the new home of the UI's Graduate College, the College of Education—Art Education and Maker Space, and the School of Planning and Public Affairs. The university previously used $6 million in P3 funds to support the project. More: University of Iowa plans $37M Art Building renovation to house grad college, college of education The building sustained significant flood damage in 2008 and was restored to its original state with Federal Emergency Management Agency funds. Work on the latest renovation started in February. The project will be substantially complete by August 2026. The University of Iowa will take on a three-year, $642,896 project to create an exercise oncology clinic. The clinic will focus on "improving the health and quality of life for cancer survivors" through "personalized exercise programs and advanced imaging technology." More: The University of Iowa's College of Law has promoted its interim dean. What to know The clinic will be part of the Department of Health and Human Physiology and serve as "a clinical research hub" exploring the benefits of physical activity in rehabilitation for cancer survivors. The University of Iowa's remaining $11.36 million in P3 funding will support "additional strategic plan initiatives throughout the year," according to a news release. However, $4 million of the reserved funds will support the "High Impact Hiring Initiative," which aids in recruiting and retaining elite faculty across colleges and departments. More: A new country bar moves in, Fieldhouse finds a new home in downtown Iowa City shakeup The University of Iowa has invested P3 funds into the "High Impact Hiring Initiative" since 2021, supporting "75 faculty recruitments and 32 retentions across 10 colleges." Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@ or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_ This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: How is the University of Iowa planning to spend $15M in funding?
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
State Historical Society of Iowa to shutter Iowa City's Centennial Building. Find out why
After nearly 70 years of housing some of Iowa's most treasured historical documents and collections, The Centennial Building in Iowa City will close its doors. The facility will shutter on June 30, 2026, due to "ongoing financial considerations" and "duplicative in function." The historical society plans to move all Iowa City's records, books and artifacts to Des Moines. The Centennial Building, established in 1956 in agreement between the State Historical Society of Iowa and the University of Iowa, has long served as a hub for historical preservation and research. The building is located at 402 Iowa Ave., near the University of Iowa's Stuit Hall. A 2019 video from the state historical society states that the Iowa City and Des Moines facilities house more than 200 million records, photos, books and other pieces of Iowa and national history. More: Iowa City's Mercer Aquatic Center will likely close for roof replacement. Find out when: "The decision was not made lightly," said Administrator Valerie Van Kooten of the State Historical Society of Iowa in a news release. "We take seriously the stewardship of Iowa's history through its collection, artifacts, and programs, and we are committed to providing the highest level of care for these items as well as the best possible experience for our patrons and the people of Iowa." The Centennial Building Research Center will be accessible only by appointment starting July 9, Wednesday through Friday. The State Historical Society press release said the arrangement will be in place through Dec. 31. Iowa City's State Historical Society research facility is home to thousands of books, newspapers, county records, and microfilm on the main floor. The second floor houses manuscripts, letters, photos, maps, oral histories, and organizational and corporate collections that date back to the 1800s. The Centennial Building manages 34,700 cubic feet of archival materials. The State Historical Society of Iowa is "continuing dialogue" between its partners and institutions across the state, as logistics and collection management considerations are weighed." More: Six things to check out in Iowa City include Juneteenth events and other Pride Fest faves Gov. Kim Reynolds approved House File 1039 on June 11, which sets aside $5 million to "revamp the archival storage shelving units of the State Historical Building in Des Moines." The project is scheduled to be completed in 2028, featuring modernized storage for incoming materials from the Iowa City facility. The renovation will "provide streamlined and centralized public access." Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@ or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_ This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: State Historical Society is closing Iowa City's research center. Why?
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Millennium Space Systems Delivers Pair of Space Vehicles to Launch Site for NASA's TRACERS Mission
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, delivered two space vehicles for NASA's Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) mission to Vandenberg Space Force Base Friday, marking a key milestone in preparation for launch later this year. "Millennium is incredibly proud of our team and partners at the University of Iowa, Southwest Research Institute, and NASA, for reaching this milestone and getting TRACERS to the launch site," said Richard Prasad, TRACERS program manager, Millennium Space Systems. "Progressing to final integration at launch site showcases the confidence from all parties that both the TRACERS space vehicles and the Millennium Mission Operations Center (MOC) are ready for launch and the start of operations. We're all excited to see TRACERS on-orbit." The TRACERS mission will measure the connection between solar wind and the magnetic field surrounding Earth. With the completion of rigorous tests, including environmental, mechanical and systems verification, the space vehicles are now prepared to travel through Earth's polar cusp region over the north and south magnetic poles. Ultimately, the mission will enhance our understanding of space weather and its potential impacts on critical technologies such as satellites, communications networks and power grids. "Delivering TRACERS demonstrates how the same approach we use for national security missions can support cutting-edge science," said Tony Gingiss, CEO, Millennium Space Systems. "The ability to deliver high-performance spacecraft is critical, not just for advancing scientific understanding and enabling future space weather forecasting, but also, for strengthening space resilience and readiness in support of national defense objectives." The launch window is set to open in Summer 2025, with specific timing dependent on mission readiness and other logistics. About Millennium Space SystemsMillennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, is a small satellite prime, delivering high-performance constellation solutions for National Security Space. Founded in 2001, the company's active production lines and 80% vertical integration enable the rapid delivery of small satellites across missions and orbits – LEO, MEO and GEO. For more information, visit Media ContactMichael Atchue, Communications ManagerE-mail: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Millennium Space Systems Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Millennium Space Systems Delivers Pair of Space Vehicles to Launch Site for NASA's TRACERS Mission
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, delivered two space vehicles for NASA's Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) mission to Vandenberg Space Force Base Friday, marking a key milestone in preparation for launch later this year. "Millennium is incredibly proud of our team and partners at the University of Iowa, Southwest Research Institute, and NASA, for reaching this milestone and getting TRACERS to the launch site," said Richard Prasad, TRACERS program manager, Millennium Space Systems. "Progressing to final integration at launch site showcases the confidence from all parties that both the TRACERS space vehicles and the Millennium Mission Operations Center (MOC) are ready for launch and the start of operations. We're all excited to see TRACERS on-orbit." The TRACERS mission will measure the connection between solar wind and the magnetic field surrounding Earth. With the completion of rigorous tests, including environmental, mechanical and systems verification, the space vehicles are now prepared to travel through Earth's polar cusp region over the north and south magnetic poles. Ultimately, the mission will enhance our understanding of space weather and its potential impacts on critical technologies such as satellites, communications networks and power grids. "Delivering TRACERS demonstrates how the same approach we use for national security missions can support cutting-edge science," said Tony Gingiss, CEO, Millennium Space Systems. "The ability to deliver high-performance spacecraft is critical, not just for advancing scientific understanding and enabling future space weather forecasting, but also, for strengthening space resilience and readiness in support of national defense objectives." The launch window is set to open in Summer 2025, with specific timing dependent on mission readiness and other logistics. About Millennium Space SystemsMillennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, is a small satellite prime, delivering high-performance constellation solutions for National Security Space. Founded in 2001, the company's active production lines and 80% vertical integration enable the rapid delivery of small satellites across missions and orbits – LEO, MEO and GEO. For more information, visit Media ContactMichael Atchue, Communications ManagerE-mail: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Millennium Space Systems Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
