Drake University Faculty Honored with Social Impact Awards

Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business has announced the recipients of its 2026 Social Impact Awards for Research and Outreach, recognizing faculty members whose work advances the college’s mission to use business as a force for good. Each award provides $5,000 to support research or outreach initiatives addressing significant social or environmental challenges.

2026 Social Impact Award Recipients

This year’s honorees are:

• Lendie Follett, Associate Professor of Business Analytics and Chair of the Information Systems and Business Analytics department, was recognized for her data-driven study on food pantry client choice. Drake University. Dr. Follett likewise serves on the board of directors for DMARC, Iowa’s largest food pantry network. Lendie Follett’s website. She received her Ph.D. In statistics from Iowa State University. Drake University.
• Heath Henderson was honored for his book questioning cash transfers as a poverty solution.
• Troy Strader received an award for a meta-analysis on artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability.
• Claire Muselman was recognized for developing a self-care program supporting more than 120 child advocates across Iowa.

About the Zimpleman College of Business

The Zimpleman College of Business at Drake University is committed to integrating social impact into its curriculum and research. The Social Impact Awards are a testament to this commitment, highlighting the faculty’s dedication to addressing pressing societal issues.

To learn more about the research of these faculty members, visit drake.edu.