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, 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 welcoming 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.

Find upcoming tours on the Events page.

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. Our Fall 2025 sessions are complete but keep an eye out for Spring 2026 dates and topics!

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

Taylor Heitzman

Academic Affairs - Student Health and Wellness
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

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