As the University of Iowa prepares to celebrate the Class of 2025, we would like to recognize and appreciate the outstanding faculty and staff who have played pivotal roles in shaping the success of our graduating students.
This year, graduating students identified nearly 1,200 faculty and staff members who made a positive difference in their lives during their time at the university.
"Each year, I’m inspired by the stories of faculty and staff who go above and beyond for our students," says Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost. "Their support, guidance, and encouragement help our students grow as learners and leaders ready to take their next steps."
Faculty and staff were identified through the UI Senior Exit Survey, which all undergraduates are invited to complete when they apply to graduate. Those mentioned by five or more students are listed in bold.
Faculty and Staff Recognized by the Class of 2025
For every name on this list, there is a student who can recall the positive impact that person had on their experience at Iowa.
"Faculty and staff play a vital role in helping us achieve our goals for student success," says Tanya Uden-Holman, associate provost for undergraduate education and dean of the University College. "The individuals on this list not only provided students with the tools to succeed academically, but have also helped them build confidence, find their purpose, and navigate what comes next."
To celebrate these exceptional members of the UI community, we have provided a snapshot of five faculty members from the list and comments from some of their students. These educators embody the university's commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, serving as examples of the dedication, passion, and commitment our faculty and staff bring to shaping the lives and futures of our students.
Danielle Busta
A proud graduate of the UI College of Nursing, Danielle Busta began her career at UI Health Care in 2012 and joined the nursing faculty in 2022. Inspired by her grandmother’s 48-year career in nursing, Busta blends her love of nursing and education by creating supportive, empowering clinical experiences for her students.
She uses compassion, empathy, and enthusiasm to build a learning environment where students gain confidence—not just in their clinical skills, but in themselves. She sees nursing students as “bright, beautiful, blooming flowers” and feels honored to walk alongside them as they grow into capable, compassionate nurses ready to make a difference.
“Danielle role-modeled how to go above and beyond in every aspect of being a pediatric nurse and cemented my desire to work with children. She embodies everything it means to be a nurse and teacher, through her overflowing empathy, support, leadership, and contagious joy. ”
- Jason O'Neill, nursing major from Solon, IA
David Gould
After more than 30 years at the University of Iowa, David Gould will retire this spring—but not before concluding his final Life Design class with a celebration at the Englert Theatre featuring students, alumni, and community members. Through this one-of-a-kind course, Gould has helped thousands of students pause, reflect, and imagine the kind of life they want to build.
Gould invites students to explore what brings them joy, develop confidence in their choices, and see their future with greater clarity and creativity. His classes are known not only for their thoughtful prompts and guest speakers, but for the deep care and curiosity he brings to each interaction. He credits the impact of his teaching to his ability to “collect remarkable people”—and inspire students to see themselves as one of them.
“I describe Dave Gould as a genie—he helps young adults realize and achieve their wildest dreams at one of the most formative times in their lives... Dave always fostered my interests and helped me find opportunities to develop them.”
- Maddi Smith, music therapy major from Davenport, IA
Anna Morrison
Anna Morrison joined the UI in 2015 as a visiting assistant professor and became a full-time faculty member in 2019 with the launch of the screenwriting arts major. A writer and filmmaker with an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Morrison brings a deep understanding of language and imagery to her screenwriting courses. She challenges students to explore not just how they write, but why they create art—and who they hope to reach.
Her classes prioritize process over product, and she encourages her students to take risks, refine their voice, and develop sustainable creative practices. Morrison enjoys seeing how much her students grow both personally and artistically during their time at Iowa and is continually inspired by the stories and voices they bring to the page.
“Anna is truly the best of the best… She fully engages with what I write, offering thoughtful, in-depth feedback, and is incredibly open-minded and supportive... She’s the reason I can now share my work with confidence instead of embarrassment.”
Ambrose Julich, double major in cinema and screenwriting arts from Ames, IA
Daniel Newton
Daniel Newton joined the Tippie College of Business in 2019, driven by the belief that every person has ideas worth sharing—and that learning can be full of joy. He strives to create a psychologically safe classroom environment where students feel encouraged to share their insights and perspectives.
Newton incorporates hands-on, experiential learning both in the classroom and across campus to inspire students’ creativity. His courses empower students to engage with academic research and design activities that reinforce learning. Across campus, he leverages the university’s breadth of resources—such as the glassblowing facility, the engineering library’s creative space, or string quartets’ chamber music—to provide students with varied viewpoints and foster connections that facilitate student innovation.
“Daniel Newton is the kind of professor you remember long after graduation. He believed in me, supported me through every step of my journey, including writing a letter of recommendation, and truly cares about seeing his students succeed.”
Tori Carroll, entrepreneurial management major from Bondurant, IA
Alex Smith
Alex Smith joined the University of Iowa in 2023, returning to his hometown to teach political science to students whose backgrounds often mirror his own. A first-generation college graduate and former legislative staffer, Smith is passionate about building connections and helping students recognize their potential.
In the classroom, Smith blends authenticity with creativity to create an environment where students feel heard, valued, and challenged to grow. Aiming to be the kind of mentor his own professors were for him, Smith takes pride in watching his students discover their passion, master new concepts, and achieve milestones like internships, jobs, or acceptance into graduate school.
“Whether it be trading basketball cards to teach political negotiation or bringing homemade pulled pork to celebrate the last day of class, Dr. Smith never fails to create a welcoming and engaging classroom environment for all.”
Jack Carrell, double major in political science and history from Iowa City, IA