Drake University

This just in: @WSJ released their 2025 college rankings, once again showing Drake as a top school in the nation—further proof of the nation-leading return on investment numbers reported by multiple research sources. It’s a great day to be a Bulldog!

I’m obviously honored to receive this award, but let’s be clear that this recognition is more about our @DUBulldogs athletics dept than me. Our collection of coaches, staff, & student-athletes are the ones who have earned this rightful praise as an athletics dept of the year.

Congratulations, @DrakeADHardin! 🐶

Drake University is thrilled to welcome #1 New York Times bestselling author @johngreen for the 47th Annual Bucksbaum Distinguished Lectureship on April 2, 2026. Green, renowned for novels including The Fault in Our Stars and Looking for Alaska, will discuss his latest work, Everything is Tuberculosis—a powerful exploration of healthcare inequities surrounding the world's deadliest infectious disease. The free event begins at 7 p.m. in the Knapp Center and will be moderated by Dr. Lindsay Woodward. Can't Plus, catch a free screening of The Fault in Our Stars at Varsity Cinema on April 1! Free tickets are available for the first 100 registrants. More ➡️ bit.ly/4br07OR

Spring Break is here! Enjoy the reset, soak up the time off, and take care of yourselves out there. See you soon, Bulldogs 💙🐶 #DrakeUniversity #SpringBreak

Drake University is pleased to announce Professor Natalie Bayer will be appointed to a one-year term as the next dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, effective July 1, 2026. A distinguished history professor and academic leader, Bayer brings extensive administrative experience and a deep commitment to liberal arts education. Selected to lead the College through a transitional year, Bayer will guide faculty and students as Drake conducts a national search for a permanent dean. As we welcome Dean Bayer to this new role, we also celebrate the remarkable contributions of Dean Gesine Gerhard, whose eight years of visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on the College. Congratulations, Dean Bayer! More: bit.ly/4lnqXMc

We are heartbroken to learn that Declan Coady—a well-loved and highly dedicated Drake University student studying information systems, cybersecurity, and computer science—was confirmed to be among the six U.S. service members killed in Kuwait on Sunday. He has bravely served in the U.S. Army Reserves since 2023 as an Information Technologies Specialist and had an incredibly bright future ahead of him. In moments like these, we must all come together to show much-needed love and compassion for the Coady family through this incredibly difficult time.

Welcome, Coach Walker! 🐶

It is with deep sadness we share the passing of Billie Lee Ray, a dear friend, benefactor, alumni of Drake University, and former First Lady of Iowa. Together, Mrs. Ray, along with her late husband, former Governor Robert D. Ray, were champions of many causes—from children and education, to community development. Their legacy of leadership will live on through the efforts of the @TheRayCenter at Drake University, as we continue to fulfill our mission to improve civility through character development and ethical leadership. We extend our deepest condolences to the Ray family and the many others whose lives were positively impacted by Billie Lee Ray.

𝙄𝙏'𝙎 𝙂𝘼𝙈𝙀𝘿𝘼𝙔 🆚 @SIU_Basketball ⏰ 6:30 pm 🏟️ Knapp Center 📍 Des Moines, Iowa 📺 bit.ly/4c1zxxH 📻 bit.ly/4oOnJBY 🎟️ bit.ly/46gpGQV 📊 bit.ly/4rWQbTW #DSMHometownTeam l @bbopsburgers

From Drake to the top of entertainment! 🐶 Drake alum Louis Carr, JO'78, has been named President of @BET after an extraordinary 40-year career at the network. His leadership transformed BET's storytelling, partnerships, and cultural reach—proof that Bulldogs don't just dream big, we deliver. Congratulations, Louis!

Bulldog 4L 🐶💙

From academic orgs to volunteer groups, Bulldogs found countless ways to get involved at last week’s student activities fair! 💙

Since 1925, the Griff-Hog’s forecast was a secret kept by the Inner Circle. Today, the tradition went public. Prediction for the 2026 Drake Relays: 72° and sunny. Happy Griff-Hog Day! 🐶

Happy Griff-Hog Day! Watch the magical Griff-Hog predict the weather for the 116th Drake Relays! 🎟️ Relays All Session Tickets Available at GoDrakeBulldogs.com/tickets

We're pleased to introduce Hope Bibens as our next Cowles Library Dean beginning July 1, 2026!⁠ Hope brings a wealth of institutional expertise, having served as Associate Professor of Librarianship, Associate Dean, and Director of University Archives and Special Collections.⁠ As she leads our library operations and student-centered research services⁠⁠, we look forward to her vision and her efforts to meet the needs of Drake and the changing world. Welcome to this new chapter of leadership, Hope! ➡️ bit.ly/3NUuqW0

Forget groundhogs—we've got a Griff-Hog. 💙 Join us Monday, Feb. 2, at 7:45 a.m. at Drake Stadium for the FIRST EVER Griff-Hog Day as the legendary Griff-Hog emerges to predict the weather for the 116th @DrakeRelays! Will it be clear skies or April showers at the Blue Oval? This century-old tradition goes public for the first time—you don't want to miss it! ➡️bit.ly/3YZ2TVQ