In memoriam: Professor Keith Mueller

Keith J. Mueller, Gerhard Hartman Professor in Health Management and Policy at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, passed away Sept. 26, 2026, after a brief illness. Mueller was nationally recognized as a leader in rural health research and policy development. Published September 28, 2026

Study finds higher wages, staffing levels can reduce turnover among nursing home support staff

New research by Hari Sharma, associate professor of health management and policy, found that even modest investments in nonclinical nursing home staff can improve workforce stability. An analysis of Iowa nursing homes found that each $1 increase in hourly wages was associated with lower turnover among housekeeping, dietary, laundry, and maintenance employees, while larger staff sizes were also linked to improved retention. Published September 9, 2026

Human connection fuels alumnus Nick Lembezeder’s desire to serve rural Iowans

Nick Lembezeder (24MPH) says his education in public health and medicine at the University of Iowa is preparing him well to reach his goals — while also helping to fill a physician shortage in the state. Published August 25, 2026

Rural nursing homes face ongoing staffing, financial, and occupancy challenges post-pandemic

A new policy brief from researchers at the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis finds that rural nursing homes faced significant workforce shortages, financial pressures, and occupancy losses in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Published August 17, 2026

Register for the 47th Annual Samuel Levey Healthcare Leadership Symposium

The Department of Health Management and Policy will host the 47th Annual Samuel Levey Healthcare Leadership Symposium on Friday, September 18. The event includes a lineup of speakers representing unique experiences in leadership. Registration is free, but required. Published August 12, 2026

Bill Gassen to deliver the 2026 Hospital and Health Systems Leadership Lecture

Bill Gassen, JD, president and chief executive officer of Sanford Health, will deliver the second annual Hospital and Health Systems Leadership Lecture on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. in the College of Public Health. The event is free and open to the public. Published August 12, 2026

Arora comments on outreach project to help farm families manage dementia care

Kanika Arora, associate professor of health management and policy at the University of Iowa, recently spoke to "AgriNews" about a series of interactive workshops that will help agricultural families recognize and address dementia-related safety risks on the farm. Published June 15, 2026

Plugged In to Public Health: Aging in rural America – what happens when nursing homes disappear?

As America's population ages, access to long-term care is becoming an increasingly urgent issue, especially in rural communities. In this episode Lauren chats with Dr. Hari Sharma to discuss the growing challenge of nursing home closures in rural America and what those closures mean for patients, families, and communities. While nursing homes have always opened and closed over time, recent years have seen an overall decline in the total number of facilities nationwide, creating new concerns about access to both post-acute and long-term care services. Published June 8, 2026

VIDEO: Spring Commencement Highlights

The tassels have turned, the smiles are shining, and the celebration is in full swing! Take a front-row seat to the University of Iowa College of Public Health Spring 2026 Commencement! Relive the energy, smiles, hugs, proud moments, and nonstop Hawkeye spirit. From cap-and-gown excitement to unforgettable memories with family and friends, these grads are ready to take on the world.  Published May 20, 2026

College names 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award Recipients

The University of Iowa College of Public Health is pleased to announce the recipients of the college’s 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards. Published May 20, 2026