In January of 2011, I arrived at the University of Iowa as a graduate student. At the time, I was a single young mom from a small rural town in Virginia. I had never visited campus. I could not afford to. And yet I packed up everything I owned into a small U-Haul trailer and drove halfway across the country to a place I had only imagined.
I did not make that decision blindly. One of my undergraduate professors had told me about Iowa. She knew my circumstances. She knew this was a place where student parents could find support, resources, and community. That mattered. So, in the middle of January, I stepped into the Iowa cold and into a new chapter of my life.
During my time as a graduate student, I received an exceptional education, was exposed to new cultures, grew in ways I did not know I needed to grow. I found community, expanded my family, and discovered that Iowa City, and this university, are truly special places.
In 2014, I had the chance to join the UI Health Care team as a staff member. That decision was easy. Every day since then, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the brightest, most dedicated people I have ever known. People who conduct groundbreaking research. People who educate our future leaders. People who save lives.
This Hawkeye community is inspiring. There is a willingness to come together, to give generously of our time and energy, to care for one another. There is a shared belief that this place is already great, and that it can always be better.
My experiences as a parent, as a student, and as a staff member shape how I lead, how I show up for others and the commitment I will bring to this role. We are living in a time of uncertainty, tension, and change. Many people feel anxious. Many feel unsure. I feel that too. But I am also hopeful. Hopeful because I’ve overcome uncertainty before, know who I am, and know who we are. We are stronger together. This community is where I find my hope.
As your Staff Council President, I’m grateful for the foundation built by those who served before me and want to continue the work of fostering a culture of caring and community. I want to lead with empathy, with humility, and with a focus on truly listening.
Thank you for trusting me to serve as your Staff Council President. It is an honor. And I am excited for what we will build together. With this community in mind, here are the goals I have set for us year:
First, Communication.
We will work to improve communication in both directions. That includes clarifying the role of councilors, giving them the tools they need to advocate effectively, and making sure we follow up on the feedback we receive. It also means expanding outreach. As our university grows, so do our opportunities to connect, both here in Iowa City and across the state, so that more voices are heard.
Second, Development.
We will continue supporting staff development by highlighting its importance to leadership and by building partnerships that help our colleagues grow. We will also look for new ways to support staff during challenging times.
Third, Sustainability.
We will push for a stronger, more integrated focus on sustainability across our organization, including advocating for sustainability to be reinstated as a core pillar in the upcoming five-year strategic plan. We will seek increased representation in sustainability initiatives and pursue practical ways to better incentivize alternative modes of transportation. As stewards of the university’s mission, the land we occupy, and the natural resources we depend on, we have a responsibility to act with long-term vision. Strengthening our sustainability systems is essential to ensuring this institution continues to thrive for generations to come.
Above all, I am committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. A culture where staff feel valued, heard, and empowered. The strength of this place has always been its people. Together, we can build the community we want to be a part of.
Thank you. I look forward to the year ahead.
Sam Mitchell
Staff Council President