News

A portrait of University of Iowa associate professor Tisa Bryant.

Meet four CLAS researchers exploring how people understand themselves and the world

Friday, October 2, 2026
Faculty across the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, including associate professor of English Tisa Bryant, discuss the questions driving their research, what brought them to higher education, and the interests that shape their lives beyond their work.
A headshot of University of Iowa professor Kevah Akbar.

Pop star Dua Lipa recommends professor Kaveh Akbar's book Martyr!

Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Pop star Dua Lipa recommended UI professor Kaveh Akbar's book Martyr! as her September Monthly Read for her Service95 Book Club.
A headshot of University of Iowa alumna Carolyn Lukensmeyer.

English alumna has spent career amplifying citizens’ voices

Thursday, September 10, 2026
AmericaSpeaks founder Carolyn Lukensmeyer is executive producer of a new documentary, which details how New Yorkers came together after 9/11 to rebuild ground zero.
A headshot of University of Iowa professor Matthew Brown.

Beyond the page: CLAS English professor brings books to life for students

Thursday, September 3, 2026
From the physical form of a book to the people who read it, Matthew Brown encourages students to look more closely at how literature creates meaning.
A headshot of Marilynne Robinson, the F. Wendell Miller Professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Iowa.

Marilynne Robinson honored with Distinguished Alumni Award

Monday, August 31, 2026
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and one of the most influential figures in the history of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Robinson shaped a generation of writers over her 25-year tenure as the F. Wendell Miller Professor of English and Creative Writing.
 A headshot of Christopher Merrill, who has been named the 15th recipient of the Paul Engle Prize, presented by the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization.

Christopher Merrill named 2026 Paul Engle Prize winner

Friday, August 28, 2026
Christopher Merrill has been named the 15th recipient of the Paul Engle Prize, presented by the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization.