Hello Human Sciences Alumni and Friends!

I hope this note finds you well! It's a joy to connect with you and share the latest happenings in our vibrant College of Human Sciences community.

In this edition of our newsletter, we’re showcasing the incredible work happening in the areas of health and wellness. Many of our programs are preparing students for health-related careers and our faculty are leading research projects that have far-reaching impacts.

Big changes are ahead for the college as this semester marks the final chapter of the current LeBaron Hall. Construction will begin this summer and a new building will open in 2026. Stay tuned for more details later this spring as the building’s final design takes shape.

As you continue reading, you’ll see an exciting announcement welcoming a new director of the School of Education as well as the latest notes and news. And, alumni awards nominations are open through March 1 - consider submitting a nomination!

Your ongoing engagement and support has played a pivotal role in the success of our college and in the success of our students. Thank you for being an integral part of the College of Human Sciences and I look forward to sharing more updates in the spring.

Warm regards,

LAURA DUNN JOLLY

Iowa State University

College of Human Sciences

Dean and Dean's Chair

Maximizing exercise to improve mental health

Led by associate professor of kinesiology, Jacob Meyer, a team of researchers want to know whether different types and doses of exercise can improve mental health, either on their own or integrated into treatment plans. Two concurrent research projects funded by the National Institute of Mental Health will help fill in the gaps.

New research finds half-cardio, half-strength training reduces cardiovascular disease risks

Approximately one in three deaths in the U.S. is caused by cardiovascular disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New research, led by professor of kinesiology, Duck-chul Lee, indicates that splitting the recommended amount of physical activity between aerobic and resistance exercise reduces cardiovascular disease risks as much as aerobic-only regimens.

Making a difference, belonging drives rural festival volunteers and bolsters community development

New research, led by SoJung Lee, an associate professor in apparel, events, and hospitality management, suggests people are more likely to volunteer for festivals and support rural community development if they have a strong sense of psychological ownership.

Outlook on exercise may curb aging anxiety

A multi-state survey suggests a positive attitude about physical activity is related to lower anxiety around aging. The researchers say gender, age, marital status and income affect perspectives on exercise and aging but that reframing messages about both can lead to healthy behaviors.

ACTE National Teacher Educator of the Year is an Iowa Stater

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) honored Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies program coordinator and assistant teaching professor, Laura VanWaardhuizen as the national 2024 Teacher Educator of the year.

Gansemer-Topf named Director of the School of Education

Ann Gansemer-Topf was recently announced as the next Director of the School of Education and Frances S. and Arthur L. Wallace Professor in the College of Human Sciences, effective July 1. She is an experienced leader and nationally-recognized scholar with a focus on student success.

A picture of an empty hallway in LeBaron Hall.

Creating an integrated human sciences complex

In 1911, students streamed through the doors of MacKay Hall, the newest building on campus. The next 100 years would see the north end of central campus take shape with additions to MacKay Hall and the construction of LeBaron Hall, the LeBaron Auditorium, and the Human Nutritional Sciences Building (HNSB), with all of the buildings connected by a large lobby.

The New LeBaron Hall

Today, LeBaron Hall is over 65 years old and has realized its lifespan. The building will come down this year and a new LeBaron Hall will open in its place in 2026.

“The new LeBaron Hall is entirely dedicated to student learning, teaching, and research,” said Laura Dunn Jolly, College of Human Sciences Dean and Dean’s Chair. “Labs and classrooms are designed to be flexible as industries change, ensuring this facility serves generations of future Cyclones.”

Read more about the new LeBaron Hall

A new home for textile research

The College of Human Sciences is home to leading researchers in textile science who conduct their work in various areas of the current LeBaron Hall. A renovation to the second floor of the neighboring HNSB is nearly complete and will open as the Textile Sciences Research Lab this spring. Bringing together various facets of textile sciences into a cohesive and permanent space will further power innovation in the field.

Renovating HNSB will enhance student learning

With the new LeBaron Hall being connected to HNSB, the first floor is being studied as a potential future location for the Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom. The tearoom has been operating in MacKay Hall since 1926 and is one of the earliest established student-run restaurants in the nation. The project would relocate the restaurant from the garden level of MacKay Hall to a newly renovated, accessible, and modern facility in HNSB. The restaurant would be in a prominent central campus location across the street from Parks Library.

Space on the second floor of HNSB is also being studied as a possible location for a textile sciences teaching lab that would create an integrated approach to education and research.

Creating a legacy

For over a century, generations of human scientists have passed by the four limestone pillars of MacKay Hall that stand tall on central campus as they prepare for careers that make a difference in the world around them.

MacKay's historic architecture, paired with a new LeBaron Hall and renovated space in HNSB, will create a comprehensive human sciences complex that will serve generations of future Cyclones.

“Replacing LeBaron Hall and renovating neighboring space will reflect the exceptional work happening in our college, prepare us for future growth, and give our students a modern learning environment,” said Jolly.

Feasibility studies and fundraising are continuing for the overall project of an integrated human sciences complex. Watch for updates in future editions of this newsletter and track the project's progress on our website.

Learn More and Support the Project

Iowa State alumni and friends were honored at this fall's ISU Alumni Association's Honors & Awards Ceremony. In the College of Human Sciences, five alumni were recognized during the ceremony for their outstanding accomplishments.

Alumni Achievement Award, Jeffery W. Johnson: PhD '14 higher education administration, Lora and Russ Talbot Endowed President & CEO, Iowa State University Alumni Association
Alumni Achievement Award, David A. Walker: MA '96 history, PhD '98 education, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Professor of Educational Technology, Research, and Assessment, Northern Illinois University
Virgil S. Lagomarcino Laureate Award, Curtis A. Cain: MS '99 education and educational leadership and policy studies, PhD '01, Superintendent of Schools, Rockwood School District
Outstanding Young Professional Award, Yu "April" Chen: PhD '14 higher education, Associate Professor, Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education, Louisana State University
Outstanding Young Professional Award, Courtney M. Reyes: '06 child, adult, and family servives, Executive Director, One Iowa

Congratulations to our outstanding alums and to all alumni and friends honored in 2023!

Nominations for College of Human Sciences 2024 Alumni Awards are currently open and will be accepted through March 1, 2024. Winners will be honored at the 2024 Honors & Award's Ceremony held during Homecoming.

Nomination form for 2024 College of Human Sciences Alumni Awards

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This is an e-newsletter for alums and friends of Iowa State University's College of Human Sciences.