ISU Department of Human Development & Family Studies - HDFS

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kim Greder on receiving the Extension Family Life and Human Development (FLHD) Career Impact Award!

This national honor recognizes Extension specialists who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact through their programming, scholarship, and service. Selected from an outstanding pool of nominees across the country, Dr. Greder was recognized for a career dedicated to strengthening families, improving health and well-being, and expanding educational opportunities for underserved communities.

Through research-informed initiatives supporting Latino youth and families, rural Iowa communities, and family health, Dr. Greder has transformed research into meaningful, real-world impact across Iowa and beyond.

We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and grateful for the lasting difference Dr. Greder continues to make in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

Congratulations, Kim!

Make a lasting impact. Learn how to manage programs, support families, and strengthen communities, all while gaining a deeper understanding of human development. Scholarships are available! Explore an online graduate program today. https://bit.ly/49Sj5Ow

Congratulations to all our Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 graduates.

"What you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

From studying abroad to finding purpose beyond the traditional classroom ✨📚, Iowa State grad Sydney Miller embraced every opportunity to grow during her time at Iowa State.

Through hands-on experiences, campus involvement, and meaningful connections, Sydney discovered how education and leadership can make an impact far beyond a classroom setting. Read her full student spotlight to learn more about her journey ❤️💛

Faculty and staff from the HDFS department recently attended the Iowa Head Start Association Spring Conference, where more than 200 early childhood professionals from across Iowa gathered to exchange ideas, resources, and best practices for supporting children and families.

Our team connected with educators, program leaders, and community partners while showcasing HDFS IDEA Alliance programs. Interest was so strong that booth materials and swag disappeared within the first hour. Pictured at the booth are Celia Shedd, Kere Hughes-Belding, and Heather Rouse.

The conference highlighted the vital role Head Start programs play in delivering flexible, community-based services and partnering with families to support children’s development. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share how HDFS programs at Iowa State University help strengthen Iowa’s early childhood workforce.

Commencement for the College of Health and Human Sciences is tonight, May 16, at 7 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum! 🎓

Can't be there in person? Tune into the livestream: https://bit.ly/4uX3LbA

Health and Human Sciences graduates, your moment has arrived!

Our college convocation is today, May 15, at 1 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum. Today is all about celebrating you and the hard work and achievements that brought you here.

Reminder: event policies will be enforced, including a clear bag policy. Please make sure your guests are prepared—full details are available here: https://bit.ly/49RYMk2

A livestream of the convocation is available, so friends and family can be part of the celebration from anywhere.

We can't wait to celebrate you, Class of 2026!

Congratulations to Erin Line, who has been named the University Marshal for the College of Health and Human Sciences. Line is graduating summa cm laude with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in psychology, gaining extensive experience through roles including a teaching assistant at ChildServe in Ames and an intern at Orchard Place. She will continue her work in the field this summer as a family support worker intern at Jenda Family Services while pursuing a master’s degree in social work at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. We're so proud of you, Erin!

Read more about the Spring 2026 Graduating Senior Awards: https://bit.ly/4wu9QgS

Congratulations to Catheryn Hockaday, a health and human sciences program manager with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the 2026 Iowa State Outstanding Student Organization Advisor of the Year.

As the ISU Boxing Club advisor, she's guiding leadership decisions, ensuring safety in a high-risk sport, and showing up again and again.

Catheryn's impact goes well beyond any job description. In her words, the gym has become a family. And for many students, their first real “home” on campus.

Congratulations, Catheryn, on a well-earned and deeply meaningful honor. 🥊

Congratulations to Kere Hughes-Belding on being named the Nancy Rygg Armbrust Professor, recognizing her sustained excellence and leadership in early childhood development, education and community-engaged scholarship.

Hughes-Belding was one of five faculty and staff members from Human Development and Family Studies honored at the 2026 College of Health and Human Sciences awards ceremony.

We are proud of the meaningful contributions our faculty and staff make to students, colleagues and communities through their leadership, research and service.

Read more about Dr. Hughes-Belding's honor and contributions here: https://hdfs.hs.iastate.edu/news/hughes-belding-named-nancy-rygg-armbrust-professor/