Drake University Celebrates Prestigious Achievement in Business Education
Drake University, along with the Zimpleman College of Business, has been recognized once again for its commitment to responsible education. The institution has earned the esteemed Level 4 “Transforming School” designation in the 2026 Positive Impact Rating (PIR) for business schools. This recognition program, managed by the Positive Impact Rating Association, highlights leading business schools globally.
Among only seven business schools in the United States to reach this level, Drake University stands out for its efforts to leverage business education as a catalyst for societal change. Achieving Level 4 signifies that the institution has a substantial positive impact on its culture, governance, and systems, with significant outcomes across various impact dimensions.
Alanah Mitchell, dean of the Zimpleman College of Business, emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, “What makes the Positive Impact Rating so meaningful to us is that the grade comes directly from our students. To know that our students recognize and validate Zimpleman as a ‘Transforming School’ proves that our mission isn’t just words on a syllabus, it is a core part of our culture. Drake is committed to equipping the next generation of leaders with the ethical framework they need to change the world for the better.”
Leading with Ethics and Engagement
The Zimpleman College of Business integrates ethical frameworks and leadership development into its core curriculum, preparing students to create businesses that are both profitable and socially responsible. Faculty at Drake University exemplify these values through community engagement and research initiatives.
In terms of community involvement, Assistant Professor Claire Muselman, Ed.D., initiated “Sparkle & Strength: A Self-Care Series for Child Advocates,” which provided professional development and self-care training to over 120 child welfare professionals and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers across 14 counties in Iowa.
Concurrently, research efforts are making a significant social impact. Associate Professor Lendie Follett, along with her coauthors, conducted a study analyzing more than 460,000 client choices at a food pantry using traditional marketing segmentation. The research, which correlates client preferences with demographics, offers food pantries data-driven insights to better serve their communities.
This international accolade underscores a strategic and ongoing commitment grounded in recent initiatives of the College. Key projects include the establishment of the Dean’s Honor Roll for Social Impact for students and the annual Social Impact Research and Outreach Awards for faculty and staff.
Moving forward, the Zimpleman College of Business aims to expand its influence by concentrating on three primary societal impact areas: fostering the success of first-generation business students, supporting mission-driven businesses, and enhancing access to financial inclusion. By embedding these priorities into its curriculum and outreach activities, the College ensures its global acclaim reflects both its past accomplishments and its vision for long-term impact.
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