Thirteen CLAS students have been selected from more than 10,000 applicants nationwide to receive Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for the 2026–27 academic year.

At the University of Iowa, wellness means something a little different to everyone—and for Rachel Spengler, that flexibility is exactly the point. A faculty affairs specialist in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' Dean’s Office, Rachel has been with the university for two and a half years. In that time, she’s not only supported faculty work behind the scenes but has also built a strong presence as a wellness advocate within her department and beyond.

Religious studies students were honored at the annual E.P. Adler Awards Reception on May 11 at Old Brick. The event, endowed through the generosity of the late Philip and Henrietta Adler and supported by the family of Lloyd and Betty Schermer, recognizes graduate and undergraduate students for academic excellence, research, teaching, and service. Awards span Jewish studies, Catholic studies, Native American religion, social justice, and more.

Monica Correia, professor of 3D design and collegiate scholar in the University of Iowa School of Art, Art History, and Design, has received a Fulbright Scholar Award to France, among the highest honors in international academic and cultural exchange. Her project will be conducted at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Industries Textiles (ENSAIT) GEMTEX Laboratory in Roubaix, part of the University of Lille.

Eight College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) humanities-adjacent faculty members received summer funding to foster research and scholarship.

University of Iowa English PhD candidate Jennie Sekanics has been awarded a prestigious 2026–27 AAUW American Fellowship, a national award supporting outstanding graduate scholars.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ (CLAS) English and Creative Writing program brings together students and nationally recognized faculty in a workshop-based environment where writers share, critique, and grow through collaboration and community.

UI Carver College of Medicine is piloting an ASL course to improve communication between providers and deaf patients amid communication challenges in health care settings.

The 10-week program provides awardees with dedicated offices, financial support, and access to CSSI’s research expertise and infrastructure. The program also includes weekly accountability meetings and workshops to learn how to effectively fund, sustain, and broadcast their research.

niversity of Iowa alumnus Samuel D. Hunter’s Broadway debut, Little Bear Ridge Road, received a Tony Award nomination for Best Play. The show, starring Laurie Metcalf and Micah Stock, won Best Play earlier in the week at the New York Drama Critics’ Circle.