News

Carrie Schuettpelz

Carrie Schuettpelz Awarded $1.1 Million Mellon Grant

Friday, August 8, 2025
With a $1.1 million grant from The Mellon Foundation, SPPA professor Carrie Schuettpelz is launching two major projects focused on Indigenous history and land rights—marking a historic moment for the school and Native-led research.
Logo of NASPAA Accreditation with text in red and a yellow star

Advancing Excellence: SPPA’s Public Affairs Program Earns NASPAA Accreditation

Monday, July 14, 2025
The University of Iowa’s Master of Public Affairs program has earned NASPAA accreditation, recognizing its commitment to high standards in public service education. Established in 2020, this milestone supports its mission to develop the next generation of public service leaders.
Headshot of Travis Krause

Leadership in Community Engagement and Innovation Earns Travis Kraus Full Professorship

Friday, July 11, 2025
From statewide partnerships to national awards, Kraus has expanded student impact through hands-on learning and community-focused research.
Headshot of Haifeng Qian

Haifeng Qian Studies Persistence of Regional Entrepreneurship

Thursday, June 26, 2025
Professor Haifeng Qian, School Director, has been investigating the regional dynamics of entrepreneurship.
Headshot of Assistant Professor Bogdan Kapatsila wearing a shirt and tie.

Beyond the Bus: New Tool Reveals Benefits of On-Demand Transit

Thursday, May 29, 2025
Assistant Professor Bogdan Kapatsila and coauthors produce paper on new tool showing benefits of on-demand transit, published in Journal of Public Transportation.
Group of 22 students who participated in the SPPA Spring Research Symposium held in May 2025.

Students Share Data-Driven Solutions at Spring Symposium

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Graduate students from the School of Planning and Public Affairs recently presented their semester-long research projects through poster presentations at the Spring Student Symposium.
Photo of Joe Maxwell, wearing a dark suit and the American flag behind him.

Joe Maxwell - Class of 2026

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Learn about Joe Maxwell, pursuing his master of urban planning at the University of Iowa.
Selfie of Travis Kraus, Melanie Comer, and Sepehr Yadollahi at the Iowa American Planning Association conference. Student research project posters are in the far background.

Faculty Spotlight – Travis Kraus

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Faculty spotlight on Professor Travis Kraus, Director of IISC.
Farnaz Fatahi and Jovana Kolašinac holding up a picture frame and looking through it.

Students Combine Talent to Create Aesthetically Inventive Plans

Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Urban Planning graduate students Farnaz Fatahi and Jovana Kolašinac have completed an impressive five projects together while pursuing their master’s degrees.
Group of alumni and students chatting at the anniversary reception

SPPA Celebrates 60 Years of Impact and Innovation

Wednesday, April 30, 2025
The School of Planning and Public Affairs (SPPA) recently marked a major milestone—its 60th anniversary—with a celebratory event held at the historic Old Capitol Museum.