Excellence in Action: Recognizing Outstanding Contributions to Our University
September 24, 2025
Dr. Kristin Terrill, Program Specialist III for Graduate College Academic Communications, received her award from President Wendy Wintersteen and Senior Vice President for Operations and Finance, Dr. Sean Reeder
Kristin Terrill Receives Professional & Scientific Outstanding New Professional Award
Kristin Terrill, Program Specialist III in the Graduate College, has been honored with Iowa State University's Professional & Scientific Outstanding New Professional Award for Service Excellence - recognizing her exceptional contributions to innovation, service, and graduate student success.
Since joining the Graduate College, Kristin has led transformative initiatives that have reshaped the graduate experience. She spearheaded the development and ongoing enhancement of the Grad Success Program, introducing new graduate-level courses and launching a podcast aimed at supporting students' academic and professional growth.
Her commitment to student advancement is further reflected in her creation and management of the Graduate Competitive Funding Program. Through this initiative, she developed a curated database to help students identify and apply for relevant awards and fellowships - removing barriers and opening doors to opportunity.
Her forward-thinking approach extends to technology and accessibility. She has designed and delivered workshops on advanced tools such as artificial intelligence and digital accessibility, empowering students to elevate their scholarly and creative work. She also led the transition to thesis and dissertation formatting standards that align with Iowa State's digital accessibility policy, ensuring inclusivity and compliance.
Demonstrating remarkable initiative, Kristin independently acquired programming skills to develop the Iowa State Interactive Individual Development Plan toolkit for graduate students - an innovative resource for continued career planning and professional development.
Beyond her administrative and instructional roles, Kristin actively engages in research. She co-authors open educational resources, publishes peer-reviewed work, and presents at national and international conferences, contributing to the broader academic community.
Kristin's dedication, creativity, and leadership exemplify service excellence. Her work continues to shape the future of graduate education at Iowa State, and her recognition is well-deserved.