Articles from May 2026

A medallion with the University of Iowa seal

CLAS faculty and staff recognition in 2026

Thursday, May 7, 2026
CLAS faculty and staff across the college are being honored with university-wide recognition and awards for their impactful work.  These awards reflect the breadth of teaching, research, mentorship, service, and innovation taking place across the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Meet the spring 2026 CLAS Commencement speakers and singers

Thursday, May 7, 2026
Four College of Liberal Arts and Sciences students will take the stage at spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies as student singers and speakers, representing the range of experiences that shape a CLAS education. From music and publishing to storytelling and reflection, each brings a distinct perspective to the moment.
Melinda Jean Myers, Ece Demir-Lira, Elizabeth Walker, May Guo, Benjamin Swanson, Megan Gogerty, Julie Gros-Louis

CLAS announces 2026 faculty promotion and tenure awards

Thursday, May 7, 2026
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has announced the recipients of its prestigious awards for faculty who received a promotion to tenured associate professor and full professor, and to associate professor and full professor of instruction. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has announced seven faculty members will receive the college’s esteemed Dean’s Scholar, Collegiate Scholar, Distinguished Associate Professor of Instruction, and Distinguished Professor of Instruction awards.
Student taking a test

CLAS finals week study guide: Six tactics that actually work

Tuesday, May 5, 2026
For CLAS students, finals are not one-size-fits-all. This guide focuses on preparation strategies across disciplines to help you perform well, whatever your final exam looks like.
Jayda Hunstad poses for a portrait inside Voxman Music Building in Iowa City, IA, on Monday, April 6. Hunstad, a masters student at the University of Iowa, studies music therapy with a focus on chronic and neurological pains. (Ethan McLaughlin/The Daily Iowan)

UI music therapy program marks 50 years

Monday, May 4, 2026
The University of Iowa’s music therapy program turns 50 this year, and a graduate student is turning her own experience with spinal surgery into research that helps adolescents recovering from the same procedure.
CLAS faculty member stands in spaceflight laboratory

CLAS debuts remarkable Spaceflight Lab

Monday, May 4, 2026
Standing on the shoulders and in the former offices of space-science giants like James Van Allen, Don Gurnett and Craig Kletzing, a team of University of Iowa scientists beamed with pride this week at the campus’ new, state-of-the-art Spaceflight Laboratory.