University of Iowa Appoints Saba Rasheed Ali as Permanent Dean of Graduate College
In a move that solidifies her leadership within the University of Iowa, Saba Rasheed Ali has been appointed as the associate provost for graduate and professional education and the dean of the Graduate College, effective February 1. Ali has been fulfilling these responsibilities on an interim basis since July 1, 2025.
Ali, a seasoned educator and researcher, has been part of the University of Iowa’s faculty since 2003, where she serves as a professor of counseling psychology in the College of Education. Her previous role as the college’s associate dean for research spanned from 2017 to 2025.
With a research focus on occupational experiences, Ali investigates work stress, career development, and equitable access to fulfilling employment. Her commitment to education and community is demonstrated through initiatives like Project HOPE, a program she founded that promotes STEM career education among rural Iowa students. Her impactful contributions to teaching and public engagement earned her the title of University of Iowa Distinguished Chair in 2025.
“Saba is a thoughtful and collaborative leader who has demonstrated a clear commitment to the success of our graduate and professional students,” states Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost. “She has shown strong leadership during her interim service, and I am confident she will continue to strengthen graduate education at Iowa.”
Ali steps into this permanent role following the departure of Amanda Haertling Thein, who took on the position of dean at the University of Colorado Boulder School of Education in July 2025. As the new dean, Ali will focus on enhancing support structures for graduate and professional students, as well as advancing the university’s academic and research initiatives.
“Graduate and professional students are vital to the strength of our academic and research community,” says Ali. “I look forward to working with colleagues across campus to strengthen the programs, services, and policies that support them and ensure that our decisions reflect the needs and experiences of the students we serve.”
Ali’s academic background includes a PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Oregon, a master’s degree in community counseling from Loyola University Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Virginia University.
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