Saba Rasheed Ali was appointed interim associate provost for graduate and professional education and dean of the Graduate College in July 2025. She received her PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Oregon, a master of arts in community counseling from Loyola University of Chicago, and a bachelor of arts in psychology from West Virginia University. Ali has been a faculty member at Iowa since 2003, most recently serving as professor of counseling psychology and associate dean for research in the College of Education. 

Ali is an internationally recognized scholar whose teaching and research connect career development and counseling psychology directly to community and workforce needs. Her mentorship and leadership have encouraged students, faculty, and staff to engage in meaningful work that addresses mental health needs and benefits communities across the state. She was named a 2025 University of Iowa Distinguished Chair in recognition of her exceptional contributions to teaching, research, and public service.