It’s not every day that students get to interact with leaders from private industry, but a new Executive-in-Residence program at the College of Public Health has made that opportunity a reality.

A number of leaders from a variety of industries, including Deere & Company, a pharmaceutical company, a health coaching enterprise, and a retinal imaging company, are taking part in the program created by the Iowa Institute of Public Health Research and Policy (IIPHRP) based in the college.

Meaningful Interactions

Going beyond a visiting guest lecture, “the Executive-in-Residence program integrates senior business leaders into the life of the college,” says CPH Dean Sue Curry.

The institute works with the executives to create an individualized program that could include delivering college-wide seminars and classroom lectures, teaching a workshop using real-life case studies, meeting with students and faculty one-on-one or in small groups, and collaborating on student research projects.

“Students have the opportunity to ask questions and establish a connection with the executives and their companies,” says IIPHRP Deputy Director Vickie Miene. “The executives get to know our students and faculty, better understand the learning environment at the college, and explore opportunities for partnerships—it’s a win-win for everyone.”

“This was an opportunity for me to give back, to share what I have learned over the years in my industry, and to provide encouragement to the new workforce,” adds Executive-in-Residence participant Scott Fowler, manager of Global Occupational Safety at Deere & Company. “I think it provides very meaningful interactions—it’s exciting to hear students’ questions and to think about additional collaborations with the college.”

“I love that the executives bring real-world perspective on public health issues related to their company,” one CPH student responded in a written survey.

Fostering Collaborations

The IIPHRP was launched within the College of Public Health in early 2016. The Executive-in-Residence program is just one facet of the institute’s portfolio.

“The institute is a convener,” says Miene. “It’s dedicated to developing and fostering collaborations—including public-private partnerships—that expand the scope and impact of public health research across the state, nationally, and internationally.”

By building partnerships among researchers, public health practitioners, community leaders, private partners, and policy makers, the IIPHRP contributes to the education and research goals of the college in new and innovative ways, such as helping local communities take part in meaningful research, collaborating on a variety of public health initiatives, and engaging large and small businesses. The institute has also inaugurated a community grant project through the college’s Business Leadership Network.

“In addition to making the University of Iowa a more effective research enterprise, this institute enhances scholarly collaborations for faculty and provides exciting new educational opportunities for students,” says UI Provost and Executive Vice President P. Barry Butler.

This story originally appeared in the Fall 2016 issue of InSight.