In an era where faculty turnover is a growing concern for many universities, the University of Iowa is standing out with a remarkable retention rate. For FY2025, the university has maintained a faculty retention rate of 96.3%, showcasing its commitment to nurturing faculty careers at every stage.
“Faculty success is a key focus of our 2022β27 Strategic Plan,” says Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost. “Creating an environment where exceptional faculty want to build their careers strengthens our academic mission, elevates the experience our students receive, and extends our impact in Iowa and beyond.”
While a 2025 Inside Higher Ed survey revealed that 30% of provosts noted increased faculty turnover, Iowa’s strategic initiatives have bucked this trend by fostering faculty satisfaction and success.
Early Career Support
Research emphasizes that early career support is crucial in preventing turnover, with around 40% of departures happening within the first year. The University of Iowa has expanded its early-career programming to provide new faculty with the tools they need for success. The Iowa Faculty Onboarding webpage offers guidance for faculty during their initial days on campus. Additionally, comprehensive resource guides and a Roadmap for Teaching Success help new instructors acclimate to their roles.
The Early Career Faculty Academy further enhances the experience for early-career faculty. Through workshops and mentoring, faculty members like Philip Combiths, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, have found valuable support. Combiths reflects, βIt was so valuable to have a cohort of peers to connect with outside of my discipline. Years later, I still make regular use of resources from the Early Career Faculty Academy and the Center for Teaching.β
Continued Development and Recognition
The University of Iowa’s commitment to faculty doesn’t end after the first year. The institution provides ongoing support through initiatives like the Iowa Mid-Career Faculty Scholar Award, which acknowledges and supports faculty at a pivotal career stage. Enhanced mentoring and development programs also empower instructional-track faculty to excel in their roles.
For those transitioning into leadership positions, improved onboarding processes for departmental executive officers are establishing robust leadership across the university’s academic units.
Natoshia Askelson, a professor in the College of Public Health and a 2024 recipient of the Iowa Mid-Career Faculty Scholar Award, shares how these initiatives have enhanced her connection to the university. “This has been a highlight of my time at the University of Iowa,” she states. “The funding has allowed me to do things I cannot cover with federal grants, such as travel to conferences outside the U.S., and I have enjoyed learning about the innovative research people are conducting across campus. It makes me proud to be part of this institution.”
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