Ruben Beltran del Rio joined the College of Engineering in 2015. Drawing from decades of industry and teaching experience, he combines extensive knowledge with personal attention to help students discover their strengths and develop new skills. He takes an interest in the personal growth, values, mindset, and attitudes of his students, aiming to create a lasting impact that extends beyond the technical skills they learn in his classroom. 

Beltran del Rio loves seeing the confidence his students gain when they grasp a new concept and figure out how they can apply it to solve an engineering problem. He credits the dedication and focus he has as an instructor to the many extraordinary teachers who helped and inspired him along the way. 

“Professor Beltran del Rio has been one of the most personable professors I have had in my collegiate experience. He often utilizes his personal experiences and industry knowledge to highlight important points, and he genuinely seems to care about the success of his students. I appreciate him operating on almost a first name basis with students.”

- Eli Johnson, industrial engineering major from McGregor, IA

Lisa Dutchik joined the Tippie College of Business in 2015 and currently leads an accounting course that she served as a graduate teaching assistant for over two decades ago. That course ignited her passion for teaching, which she continues to use to connect with and inspire her students. Dutchik is known for her positive and supportive classroom environment, which she creates by emphasizing improvement and learning from mistakes rather than striving for perfection.

Dutchik uses her teaching as an avenue to equip students with the confidence and skills necessary to achieve their full potential. As an instructor who strives to uplift her students, she has been moved by the support and strength her students have also provided her throughout her teaching journey. 

“Lisa took the time to learn about my interests and goals in a more genuine way than any professor I have had. Students typically do not look forward to attending office hours, but Lisa helped me navigate career pursuits, major interests, and everyday life. I pursued a position as a student-athlete tutor based on her suggestion and countless Tippie students pursue an accounting major at Iowa because of Lisa's influence.”

- Credence Wernke, finance major from Dubuque, IA

Josh Frahm joined the University of Iowa in 2013. Using lessons from the start of his own career and challenges he experienced as a first-generation college student, he inspires his students to take control of their professional journey. Frahm is a dedicated instructor and mentor, with many students crediting him for equipping them with the skills, tools, and guidance to launch and sustain successful careers. 

Frahm builds connections with his students by providing each of them with open and honest feedback, connecting one-on-one with more than 200 students each year and continuing to offer advice even after they graduate. He values the opportunity his position provides him to meet people from different backgrounds and enjoys the energy and curiosity of the students he works with. 

“Josh has been a major figure in my academic path. He has provided me with so much knowledge and guidance throughout this process. I am extremely grateful for his mentorship throughout my time at Iowa.”

Olivia Opat, marketing major from Waukon, IA

Ashley Howard joined the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2019. Inspired by the stories of those who came before her, she has dedicated her career to researching and teaching the history of the African American experience in the Midwest. She is known as a charismatic and knowledgeable instructor who takes an old-school approach to teaching, challenging her students with assignments designed to stimulate thought and discussion. She matches the expectations she has for her students with an equal level of care and support. 

Howard considers the classroom to be a thrilling place and loves learning about her students. Her favorite part of teaching is when students are able to connect what they’ve learned in her class to things they are learning in their other courses. 

“Dr. Howard is immensely charismatic, passionate, and knowledgeable in a variety of interdisciplinary subjects. With her engaging teaching methods and thoughtful course materials, Dr. Howard encourages all students to learn and grow both inside and outside of the classroom setting. I will forever cherish my time spent with Dr. Howard at the University of Iowa, as she has greatly contributed to my personal, professional, and academic success.”

Claire Benson, political science and pre-law major from Omaha, NE

Debra Trusty joined the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2017. Inspired by her mother, a K-12 teacher, she is a passionate educator who takes pride in providing her students with an impactful learning experience. She strives to optimize the learning outcomes for everyone who steps into her classroom, challenging them to think deeply about course material and demonstrate their understanding of a topic. 

Trusty is an enthusiastic teacher who is not afraid to occasionally dress as the Goddess Athena to keep her students engaged and wanting to learn more. She values the gratitude, honesty, and dedication she sees from her students, appreciating their willingness to seek help and share positive feedback after they enjoy one of her classes.

“Dr. Trusty strives to make every class enjoyable for her students through activities that allow us to engage with materials and cultures from antiquity, bringing the Classical world to life through her enthusiasm and passion for ancient history and cultures. Her interactive style of teaching and mentorship has allowed myself and many of my peers to find our own passion in the world of Classics!”

Claire Edmondson, ancient civilizations major from Nashville, TN