The Transformational Faculty Hiring Program provides central funding to help colleges attract outstanding faculty in key areas of innovation and interdisciplinary strength. Up to three scholars will be recruited per year for three years. Expected qualifications of candidates include, but are not limited to:

  • Expertise in areas of high strategic impact to the university
  • Established national/international reputation
  • Consistent record of cutting-edge scholarship or creative works
  • Record of interdisciplinary and/or innovative collaboration
  • Ability to enhance diversity at the departmental and collegiate level
  • Strong record of external funding where appropriate
  • Working in areas of high student demand/interest

Funding from central administration will be used in support of a candidate’s research and teaching needs. This includes partial salary support for five years, a renewable endowed position if one not available in the college, and support for scholarly endeavors. These resources are not designed to support space renovations.

Process

Each proposal should specify how the candidate would be transformative to the university. Each proposal will require support from the the dean, provost, and president of the university. To ensure maximum flexibility, proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as they are submitted. Proposals should be submitted to the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost through our Transformational Faculty Hire Program online form.

To submit a proposal, collegiate deans should request access to the online form by emailing faculty@uiowa.edu.

Nominations must be submitted by the collegiate dean. In addition to the centrally provided funding, there must be a commitment of funding support from the college. Proposals for the hiring program will be reviewed by a committee involving the president and provost. The letter from the dean must address the following elements:

  • Describe the current standing of the candidate.
  • Describe the current and potential on-campus connections/collaborations.
  • Using the qualifications noted above, describe the strategic area where impact will be made.
  • Describe ways the individual brings diversity to campus.
  • Describe the resources the college will contribute to the hire, including but not limited to:
    • Endowed position (if available)
    • Space (e.g. office, laboratory)
    • Technology
    • Financial
  • Recruitment plan (when to bring to campus; structure of visit)