President

Willis, an accomplished scholar and educator with an extensive background in African history, diaspora studies, and interdisciplinary research, will lead the College’s newly established department. His appointment marks a significant step in Grinnell’s commitment to a diverse, socially just, and globally informed curriculum.

Deborah Dodge will join Grinnell College as the new ombudsperson beginning on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. Deborah brings a wealth of experience in conflict resolution, mediation, and fostering inclusive environments, having served in various roles in higher education, most recently as the university ombudsperson at Central Michigan University.

On Oct. 23, the Staff Council recognized three staff members with the fall 2024 Staff Council Grand Grinnellian Award.

The Cover to Cover series returns for the third year. President Anne F. Harris along with members of the College’s senior leadership team, will delve into a selection of contemporary books from Cover to Cover and students, staff, and faculty are invited to join.

Yuki Narula ’94, Steve Pickle ’90, and Gabe Rodriguez ’00 have been elected to Grinnell College’s Board of Trustees, which meets formally three times during the academic year.

A large solar array north of the Grinnell College Golf Course is live, providing the College with four megawatts of power — approximately one third of the campus’ total energy needs. It is the largest private solar installation in Iowa.

After years of dedicated service at Grinnell College Chinyere Ukabiala, Ombuds, will mark the conclusion of an illustrious tenure that began in February 2013 when she became Grinnell College's first Ombudsperson with her retirement on June 30.

Grinnell College marked a significant milestone in Renfrow Hall's construction with a Topping-Off Ceremony. Weitz, the construction company, noted this event signals the completion of the building's skeleton structure, with the elevator hoist beam serving as the focal point. Attendees shared in the unique opportunity to sign this pivotal piece before it was raised into place.

The Rosenfield Program in partnership with the Office of the President and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is excited to announce a special event featuring Justice Alan Page, the first African American justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court and celebrated former NFL player. The event, scheduled for Friday, January 26, at 6 p.m., will take place at JRC 101 on the Grinnell College campus. 

The plan, designed with insight from multiple studies, campus-wide and small group discussions, individual interviews, on-campus workshops, and contributions from divisions and departments, sets a course for strategic actions and implementations for the next seven years.