Iowa State University - Division of Higher Education

Hooding ceremonies and commencements have ended. Students (and now alumni) have packed up and are off to their next great adventure. That’s a wrap for the 2025-2026 Academic Year! Thank you so much for coming along for the ride. We’ll see you in the fall!

We’re pleased to announce our very own Dr. Stewart has been recognized as the 2026 recipient of the Maude A. Stewart Award.

An alumni award for graduates of the Ohio State University, College of Education and Human Ecology, recipients of this award demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, or innovation in the profession of Higher Education and Student Affairs. Their contributions may be in teaching, practice, or professional organizations.

Dr. Stewart exemplifies the excellence of our faculty and this recognition is well deserved! Our higher education programs are lucky to have him and his brilliance. Please join us in congratulating him!

As we wrap up the spring semester, we’re celebrating the people who make this community what it is: our students, alumni, and friends. From unforgettable events and shared laughs to late-night conversations and lasting connections, this spring gave us so many moments worth remembering.

Our students are at the heart of everything we do. Your energy, creativity, support for one another, and school spirit continue to shape this community in meaningful ways. These photos capture just a few of the memories, friendships, and fun that made this semester special.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to keep building spaces where everyone feels connected, supported, and celebrated. Here’s to more memories, more community, and more moments together.

Thank you for being part of our story—Forever True.

As we wrap up the spring semester, we’re taking time to appreciate the people who continue to strengthen our community—our alumni and friends.

You are an essential part of who we are. This spring, your engagement, encouragement, and presence reminded us of the lasting impact of this community beyond the classroom.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to deepening these connections by creating more opportunities to engage, collaborate, and give back. We promise to continue building a community where alumni and friends feel valued, relationships are nurtured, and future students can benefit from your experiences.

Thank you for being such an important part of our story—Forever True.

The School of Education at Iowa State is proud to celebrate Rockson Owusu Amponsah, one of our Spring 2026 graduates in the M.Ed. in Student Affairs program.

Rockson will be delivering a speech at the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) Graduation this Thursday, May 7th, at 3:00 PM in the Memorial Union Sun Room—a true reflection of the leadership, voice, and impact our students cultivate during their time at Iowa State.

As an Apartment Director at Frederiksen Court South, Rockson has demonstrated what it means to lead with purpose, support student success, and build community. This is what an M.Ed. in Student Affairs from Iowa State looks like—leaders who don’t just learn the work but live it.

Join us in cheering Rockson on as he marks this important milestone and takes the next step in his journey. We are proud of you and excited for what’s ahead!

Come out and support him!

As the spring semester comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the meaningful partnerships that made this season so impactful.

We are especially grateful for the continued collaboration between the Division of Student Affairs and the School of Education. Throughout the semester, leadership from both units showed up, engaged with our community, and supported our events in ways that truly made a difference.

These moments captured here represent more than just gatherings—they reflect a shared commitment to student success, connection, and community.

Thank you to our partners for your presence, your support, and your dedication this semester. We look forward to building even stronger connections in the seasons ahead.

Exam prep week is here, Cyclones 📚

As you get ready for finals, remember—your well-being matters just as much as your grades. Take breaks, lean on your community, and give yourself grace through the process.

Whether you’re studying solo or with friends, know that you’re supported every step of the way.

Finish strong—we’re rooting for you!

🚨 IT’S TODAY!!! 🍕🎉

Join us TODAY (Wednesday, April 29th) from 4:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. for our SAGA fundraiser at Blaze Pizza!

Come grab some delicious pizza while supporting the Student Affairs Graduate Association—20% of all sales go directly to SAGA.

📍 Blaze Pizza | 2320 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA

Bring your friends, your classmates, your whole crew—tell a friend to tell a friend! Let’s show up and show out. 💥

Don’t miss it—we’ll see you there!

The Division of Higher Education at Iowa State is proud to recognize graduate students Jules Orcutt and Melissa Munguia Cruz, who were recently honored at the Dean of Students Awards and Graduate Student Recognition Ceremony for their impactful work as graduate assistants in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs’ Carver Scholastic Leadership Scholarship (CSLS) Program.

Jules, a second-year Ph.D. student in higher education, received the Graduate Assistant Scholar-Practitioner Award, recognizing their commitment to bridging research and practice. By translating theory into meaningful, student-centered initiatives, Jules strengthens support systems and contributes to more informed, impactful student experiences—demonstrating the power of an Iowa State education in action.

Melissa, a first-year M.Ed. student in Student Affairs, was awarded the Graduate Assistant Above and Beyond Award for her exceptional dedication to serving students and her consistent, role-exceeding performance. She is widely recognized by peers, students, and supervisors for her commitment to the field and her outstanding support of student success.

At Iowa State, graduate education goes beyond the classroom—preparing students to lead, serve, and make a lasting impact in higher education and beyond.

Congratulations, Jules and Melissa!

It’s that point in the semester—when everything feels due, energy is low, and the pressure is real.

Don’t go silent right now. Check in on someone. Send the message. Offer encouragement. Show up!

Community is how we get through this. And we will get through this—together.