President Barbara Wilson met with University of Iowa Staff Council last month. The meeting included a brief presentation on the past year and a look ahead, as well as a question-and-answer session moderated by Staff Council leadership. 

Wilson addressed national and state-level topics while providing guidance and encouragement on the university’s path forward. Wilson commended student success efforts, noting the university is meeting or ahead of pace set out in the strategic plan. 

Highlights include:

• We have reached the 90% goal for retention rates in year three of a five-year plan. 
• We are ahead of schedule for meeting the 4-year graduation rate goal and on track for the 6-year graduation rate. 
• Record expenditures on research.
• Record number of patients. 

Wilson projected another year of high enrollment and noted Iowa is well-positioned with distinctive strengths in writing, brain science, cancer research, and rural health. 

Wilson thanked Staff Council for its strong volunteerism, including for United Way efforts.