Sandra Daack-Hirsch, Dr. Rita and David Frantz Executive Associate Dean and professor in the University of Iowa College of Nursing, has been named associate provost for faculty in the Office of the Provost. Daack-Hirsch started a part-time appointment in the role on Sept. 1 and will move to full-time later in the academic year. 

Daack-Hirsch will succeed Barrett (Barry) W. Thomas, who transitioned to senior vice provost on Sept. 1. The phased appointment will allow Daack-Hirsch and Thomas to work together to ensure continuity in supporting faculty and advancing university priorities.

Daack-Hirsch has served as executive associate dean and dean of faculty in the College of Nursing since 2021. She has previously served as director of the college’s PhD program and as interim associate dean for graduate practice programs. 

She also brings extensive university-level leadership and shared governance experience to her new role. Daack-Hirsch served as president of the UI Faculty Senate in 2019-20 and co-chaired the university’s 2020-21 presidential search. She has also contributed to university initiatives focused on faculty success, teaching effectiveness, strategic planning, and faculty policies and procedures. 

“Sandy brings a deep understanding of the faculty experience at Iowa, along with a demonstrated commitment to collaboration and faculty success,” says Executive Vice President and Provost Kevin Kregel. “Her experience as a faculty member, collegiate leader, and university leader will be invaluable as we continue to support faculty across every stage of their careers.”

Daack-Hirsch is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and has received numerous honors for teaching, research, and service, including the UI Michael J. Brody Award for Faculty Excellence in Service and the Regents Award for Faculty Excellence. 

“I am excited for the opportunity to work with faculty and academic leaders across the university in this new role,” says Daack-Hirsch. “I look forward to hearing from colleagues across campus and building on the work already underway to support faculty and their success at Iowa.” 

Daack-Hirsch earned her BSN, MSN, and PhD from the University of Iowa. She joined the College of Nursing faculty in 2007.