Drake University will see a leadership transition in its Office of Campus Equity and Inclusion this summer, as Terrance Pendleton concludes his three-year term as associate provost and returns to the faculty. Professor of pharmacy practice Anisa Hansen will assume the role on July 1.
Provost Sue Mattison announced the change in a campus-wide email on April 16. Pendleton, an associate professor of mathematics, will be returning to teaching after three years in an administrative role.
“I’m incredibly excited to return back to the math department,” Pendleton said. “I miss teaching.”
Pendleton said the role required significant adaptability, particularly as external pressures on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives intensified during his tenure.
“We kind of bounced back and forth between improving the culture and environment … and asking, ‘How do we protect and save this work from external influences?’” Pendleton said.
During his term, Pendleton worked with student organizations and campus partners on initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue and support. One such program, “Stepping into the Divide,” focuses on civil discourse and coalition building among students with differing perspectives.
Pendleton emphasized that student feedback played a key role in shaping the office’s work, particularly in identifying gaps in support and areas for improvement.
“There have been times where I thought my week was going to go one way… and something came out of left field,” Pendleton said. “Part of my role was kind of being a firefighter.”
Despite challenges, Pendleton said the University maintained its commitment to equity and inclusion efforts.
“There’s a reason why we’re one of the few [DEI offices] left standing [in Iowa],” Pendleton said.
Hansen, who currently serves as director of diversity, equity and inclusion in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, brings more than 20 years of experience in equity and inclusion work. She has also been involved in programs such as Crew Scholars.
In an email to The Times-Delphic, Hansen said she was asked to step into the role following multiple conversations and accepted the position after careful consideration.
“As I begin this role, my first priority is to listen and learn,” Hansen wrote. “I want to connect with students, faculty and staff to better understand their experiences and identify where we can continue to grow.”
Hansen said her goals include strengthening collaboration across campus and continuing to build a sense of belonging within the Drake community.
She also acknowledged broader challenges facing institutions engaged in equity and inclusion work.
“One of the biggest challenges… is navigating a shifting legislative and social landscape while staying grounded in our Drake values,” Hansen wrote.
Mattison has expressed appreciation for Pendleton’s leadership, citing his efforts to support students, faculty and staff and maintain campus stability during a period of heightened national attention on DEI initiatives.
Pendleton will continue to be involved in campus equity and inclusion initiatives in a faculty capacity while resuming his role in the mathematics department.
