Community Relations and Advocacy

Connecting Campus

Community Relations and Advocacy focuses on fostering positive relationships within the community and advocating for various causes across campus.
 

    Join us across campus

    Discover all that our Community Relations and Advocacy Committee has to offer! We are committed to promoting communication, addressing employee concerns, ensuring equity and inclusion, and actively engaging in public presentations to strengthen our community. From leading university tours and providing ombuds trainings to welcoming new employees with special events and sharing insights through our monthly "Did You Know" articles, our work supports a more connected, informed, and inclusive environment. There's something for everyone—get involved and learn more about how we’re making a difference!

    Connect with the Community Relations & Advocacy Committee at pands-cra@iastate.edu.

    Our committee organizes tours around campus to help employees and community members explore the many resources, spaces, and stories that make Iowa State University unique. These tours are a great way to connect, learn, and build a stronger sense of belonging. If your department is interested in hosting a tour, we’d love to collaborate—please contact us at pands-cra@iastate.edu.

    Reiman Gardens Tour - July 29, 2025

    We partner with the Ombuds Office to offer a variety of training sessions for employees and managers focused on communication, conflict resolution, and building trust in the workplace. These sessions are designed to support a respectful and effective working environment for everyone.

    Keep an eye out for Fall 2025 training sessions.

    Our New P&S Employee Events are held every 3–4 months to help recently hired staff feel welcomed and connected to Iowa State. These gatherings offer a great opportunity to meet fellow new employees, learn more about campus, build your network, and hear directly from the Professional and Scientific Council about how we support and advocate for staff across the university.

    Meet the Committee

    Nikki Brandon

    President's Division - Environmental Health & Safety
    Community Relations & Advocacy Committee

    Rachel Faircloth

    Academic Affairs - Ivy College of Business
    Community Relations & Advocacy Committee - Chair

    Taylor Gerdes

    Academic Affairs - College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
    Community Relations & Advocacy Committee

    Kimberly Hope

    Operations & Finance - Reiman Gardens
    Community Relations & Advocacy Committee

    Chris Knight-Gipe

    Academic Affairs - Extension & Outreach
    Community Relations & Advocacy Committee

    Tina Mercer

    President's Division - Department of Public Safety
    Community Relations & Advocacy

    Heidi Nye

    Academic Affairs - College of Veterinary Medicine
    Community Relations & Advocacy Committee

    Deanna Powell

    Academic Affairs - College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
    Community Relations & Advocacy Committee

    Brian Rowe-Barth

    Academic Affairs - College of Veterinary Medicine
    Community Relations & Advocacy Committee

    Jason Wiegand

    Academic Affairs - Translational AI Center (TrAC) and AI Institute
    Community Relations & Advocacy