News

A headshot of University of Iowa professor Kevah Akbar.

Pop star Dua Lipa recommends CLAS professor Kaveh Akbar's book Martyr!

Thursday, September 17, 2026
Pop star Dua Lipa recommended UI professor Kaveh Akbar's book Martyr! as her September Monthly Read for her Service95 Book Club.
University of Iowa's Dance Building

Step inside CLAS's new home for dance

Thursday, September 17, 2026
The space transforms the university’s former art museum into a renewed campus destination.
A headshot of University of Iowa professor Tony Tulathimutte.

A writing life is not a ‘pipe dream’

Thursday, September 17, 2026
Tony Tulathimutte went from an unhappy career in Silicon Valley to the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Now the acclaimed writer is helping University of Iowa students envision their own paths forward.
The newly renovated University of Iowa Dance Building, surrounded by green shrubs, a sign and a blue sky.

New space gives CLAS Department of Dance room to expand

Thursday, September 17, 2026
The Department of Dance has a newly renovated home, funded through the university’s P3 program. The updated building provides modern spaces for learning and encourages collaboration with performing and visual arts programs along the west side of the Iowa River.
Image: Professors Ron McMullen and Marian Wilson Kimber

Catch up with these two longtime CLAS professors

Wednesday, September 16, 2026
From Ron McMullen’s classroom simulations to Marian Wilson Kimber’s memorable music history lessons, catch up with two longtime faculty members who are still helping students discover what they can carry beyond the classroom.
Alumni Nickolas Rhodes and Penny Rhodes celebrate their son's graduation from the University of Iowa.

CLAS alumnus and entertainment executive guides Field and Stream TV

Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Backed by country music stars, alumnus Nickolas Rhodes builds upon an outdoor media brand’s ecosystem - while still traveling back to Iowa City for football games.
University of Iowa professors Benjamin Darbro and John Manak work on their research in the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies.

CLAS biologist studies genetic components of intellectual disability

Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Professors John Manak and Benjamin Darbro speak on the research and experiments they carried out this summer, funded by an Obermann Interdisciplinary Research Grant.
A headshot of University of Iowa assistant professor of chemistry Korey Carter.

CLAS chemists unlock new possibilities for rare-earth metal

Tuesday, September 15, 2026
A study by CLAS chemists shows it is possible to make terbium, a rare-earth metal used in electronics, medical imaging, and other technologies, easier and less expensive to separate and study.
A headshot of University of Iowa student Nick Ascher.

CLAS student helps tell Iowa’s story in new game-day commercial

Monday, September 14, 2026
Recent enterprise leadership graduate and current College of Dentistry student Nick Ascher makes a memorable appearance at the end of the commercial.
A headshot of Christopher Merrill, the former director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa.

Christopher Merrill named 2026 Paul Engle Prize winner

Monday, September 14, 2026
Christopher Merrill has been named the 15th recipient of the Paul Engle Prize, presented by the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization.