The communication studies graduate built a career at the intersection of storytelling and music. Now, a new commission brings those creative paths back to where they first converged.

Fueled by the confidence he built as a University of Iowa student, Ty Schmit made a play in 2017 to join Pat McAfee’s fledgling media enterprise as an intern. Now he produces the retired football player’s daily sports show, which recently was acquired by ESPN.

Assistant professor Helen Lillie examines how stories can encourage disease prevention—and how conversations can help people navigate health challenges.

Dana Thomann, University of Iowa associate professor of instruction in Rhetoric, has been named the 2026 Hudson Prize winner for her story collection, Erratics.

University of Iowa students took an ambitious art-and-science course into the field in Iceland, where high-altitude balloon launches tested their technical skills, creative instincts, and ability to work across disciplines in unpredictable conditions.

Sylvia Mikucki-Enyart researches how families communicate through life’s expected and unexpected transitions.

Backed by country music stars, alumnus Nickolas Rhodes builds upon an outdoor media brand’s ecosystem - while still traveling back to Iowa City for football games.