2025 in Review: DMU's Most Memorable Stories

WEST DES MOINES, IA (01/02/2026) From major milestones to quiet moments of impact, 2025 was a year of progress, purpose, pride - and beauty - at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences. Our students, faculty, staff and alumni continued to push boundaries and expand access and shape the future of health care. Let's look back at some of the stories that made this year one to remember.

Launching the DMU32 Health and Business Complex

A familiar corner of Des Moines stepped into a new era.

DMU officially named its property at 3200 Grand Ave. the DMU32 Health and Business Complex. The name honors the university's legacy at the site - which served as DMU's main campus for decades - and reflects its vision to expand health care access, professional training and community partnerships.

One such partnership is with the Iowa Wolves, the NBA G League affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team began training in the DMU32 gymnasium and will continue to use the court throughout the season.

The complex also features the new DMU Regional Simulation Center, led by Beth Culross, PhD, RN, GCNS-BC, CHSE, who brings expertise in simulation-based education and health care training. The center, developed in partnership with the Polk County Supervisors, Des Moines Public Schools, Mercy College of Health Sciences and Des Moines Area Community College, offers immersive training for high school students, EMTs, first responders and other health professionals.

DMU Earns Accreditation to Launch Its Own Residency Programs

DMU received initial accreditation as a sponsoring institution from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education - a major milestone that clears the way for DMU to launch residency programs.

The first offering will be a one-year fellowship in osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine, based in the Des Moines University Clinic - Osteopathic Manual Medicine. Fellows will train to become experts in hands-on osteopathic techniques that treat patients without medication.

Earning ACGME sponsoring-institution status allows DMU to create new residency positions in Iowa, strengthen its clinical training pipeline, expand high-quality rotation sites and support efforts to keep physicians in the state - a crucial step amid Iowa's ongoing physician shortage.

Opening More Doors to Health Sciences Education

DMU expanded its national reach through new admissions partnerships that make it easier for future health professionals to pursue their goals. The partnerships, which include guaranteed interviews and/or concurrent enrollment, are designed to expand opportunities for students while helping meet the growing demand for a skilled health care workforce. In 2025, the university secured agreements with Bryan College of Health Sciences, Drake University, Hawkeye Community College, Mercy College of Health Sciences, Beloit College and Regis University.

Accolades Abound

In May, DMU recognized 160 students with service and leadership awards, highlighting the dedication and compassion they bring to their health care journeys through volunteerism and a commitment to shaping the future of medicine and health sciences.

Many of these students train in DMU's state-of-the-art simulation center, which this year earned accreditation in the new Human Simulation Standard from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare - placing DMU among an elite group of only eight simulation centers worldwide to receive this distinction.

DMU's marketing and communications team received national recognition with a 2025 Circle of Excellence Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. The award honored "DMU Pioneer in Osteopathic Medicine and Public Service," a video sharing the story of William G. Anderson, DO'56, a recipient of the university's highest honor, the Pioneers of Osteopathic Medicine Award.

The team also earned an Award of Excellence in the 2025 University & College Designers Association Design Awards. Their winning entry - a recruitment box for the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery - was one of just 195 projects selected for recognition.

Angela L. Walker Franklin, PhD, president and CEO, made headlines for the publication of her new book, Leadership From the Ground Up, which offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at her leadership journey. In October, Franklin was also among 16 speakers selected to share "ideas worth spreading" at the University of Northern Iowa's TEDx event "Creating Tomorrow." Her talk, "Calling Out the Elephant in the Room to Trigger Meaningful Dialogue," shared how curiosity and empathy can transform polarization into collaboration.

Opportunities to engage in this kind of meaningful work are just one reason DMU was named a 2025 Great Colleges to Work For - a national workplace recognition program administered by ModernThink and featured by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Honoring Alumni of the Year and Rising Star

The 2025 alumni honorees each bring unique skills and perspectives to their fields, significantly advancing health care and making the world a better place. This year's recipients include Major Joshua Dilday, DO'15, who received the Rising Star Award; Gary Stuck, DO'83, FAAFP, named the 2025 College of Osteopathic Medicine Alumnus of the Year; Shari Nichols, DPM'95, FACFAS, honored as the 2025 College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Alumna of the Year; and Carla Stebbins, MHA'93, PhD, recognized as the 2025 College of Health Sciences Alumna of the Year.

Serving Patients with Compassion and Care at the DMU Clinic

The DMU Clinic welcomed new team members this year, all dedicated to helping patients receive the care they need to live their healthiest lives. The osteopathic manual medicine team added Ajay Sharma, DO, who brings more than two decades of clinical and academic experience to the clinic. He was joined by Shannon Crout, DO'10, who offers a patient-centered approach that emphasizes whole-body wellness and trauma-informed care.

In the physical therapy clinic, DMU welcomed Brittney De Jong, MA, LAT, ATC, as a certified athletic trainer. She will work exclusively with the Des Moines Buccaneers, supporting athletes with expert care and performance training. Sarina (Lily) Jorgensen, PT, DPT, also joined the physical therapy clinic, bringing a wealth of experience as a certified brain injury specialist specializing in pelvic health and neurological disorders.

In addition to new providers, the DMU Clinic is now equipped with a state-of-the-art portable 3D motion capture laboratory, the only one of its kind in the Des Moines metro.

Students Shape the Future of Medicine

Students from all 10 of DMU's academic programs never cease to amaze with their dedication to shaping the future of medicine. In March, the osteopathic medicine program's Class of 2025 achieved 99% match rates, while Doctor of Podiatric Medicine students achieved a 100% residency placement rate for the 23rd year in a row and exceeded national averages on the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination - students who also benefit from the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery's clinical and educational partnership with Biomedix, which provides access to cutting-edge technology for vascular assessments.

In May, DMU proudly graduated over 400 new graduates into the health care workforce during its 125th Commencement Ceremony - including the first biomedical science PhD graduates - and then celebrated more than 450 current students as they donned their first white coats in September.

Research That Makes an Impact

DMU's Office of Research made waves this past year. Remember the dire wolves? Julie Meachen, PhD, knows a thing or two about them.

In the spring, Kellie Sheets, MBA, FACHE, CRA, joined the team as the first ever director of research operations, compliance and strategy, while Pravin Mishra, PhD, MBA, was promoted to the role of chief research officer, through which he'll continue to lead the university's strategic research priorities and further advance the strong foundation he has built since joining DMU in 2023.

During the summer, the office hosted its inaugural Innovation Tank, a new competition to spark creative thinking and cross-disciplinary collaboration in tackling real-world health care challenges. The fall season continued the momentum with the annual Research Symposium and Young Scientist Program.

Investing in the Future

This past year, two new members were appointed to DMU's Alumni Board of Directors: April Bisaga-Carr, DO'03, and Emily Hurst, DO'05, FACOI. Both will serve a three-year term, providing leadership and support in engaging DMU alumni and advancing the university's mission.

DMU also launched the Dr. Robert and Brenda Good Faculty Development Academy. Made possible by a generous gift from Robert Good, DO'77, and his wife, Brenda, the academy will serve as a hub for innovation in health care education and help prepare faculty to shape the next generation of health professionals.

Dr. Good was also appointed to DMU's Board of Trustees, adding decades of experience in internal medicine and a strong record of leadership in health care and medical education to the board.

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