The University of Iowa College of Law is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Terry as the new Director of the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative (HELI), effective September 30, 2025.
A distinguished alumna of Iowa Law and a respected environmental policy advocate, Jen brings more than a decade of experience in environmental law and policy in Iowa. She has held senior leadership roles at the Iowa Environmental Council and Des Moines Water Works, where she led legislative strategy, policy development, public engagement, and strategic communications on issues affecting land, air, and water quality. Jennifer most recently served as Project Lead for the Central Iowa Source Water Assessment at Polk County, Iowa, managing a major scientific initiative to improve water quality in Iowa’s largest watersheds. The Harkin Institute sponsored a panel discussion featuring the findings of the recently released report on August 4th in Des Moines.
“We are delighted that Jen is joining the HELI team,” said Professor Shannon Roesler, the HELI Faculty Director. “She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this new role, which will enrich our programming and provide more opportunities for student research and engagement.”
As HELI Director, Terry will oversee a robust portfolio of research, programming, and outreach efforts, working closely with College leadership, faculty, students, and community partners. She will work closely with Program Director Blake Rupe, while overseeing student research, helping guide strategic planning, and supporting interdisciplinary collaborations across campus.
“I’m honored to return to my alma mater to lead the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative at the University of Iowa College of Law. This role feels like the perfect way to bring together my passion for protecting the environment and my experience building coalitions to address environmental challenges. I’m excited to help shape HELI’s next chapter by supporting the next generation of leaders and advancing efforts to protect our land and water.”
As she begins her new role, Terry will participate in a series of HELI events in October highlighting critical conversations on water law and policy. On October 9, HELI will host a discussion with author Royal C. Gardner and Professor Silvia Secchi at Prairie Lights Books as part of the Iowa City Book Festival, followed by Gardner’s lecture at the College of Law on October 10. Later in the month, HELI will bring experts together for Our Water, Our Future at Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City (October 29), where a panel of experts will share insights from the Central Iowa Source Water Research Assessment. On October 30, Terry will moderate a panel, From the Driftless to the Delta, examining water protections across the Mississippi River watershed.
These events are free and open to the public, offering opportunities to learn, connect, and join the conversation as HELI fosters rigorous dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration on today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Terry earned her J.D. with distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2013 and holds a B.A. with highest distinction in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa.
To learn more about the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative, visit https://law.uiowa.edu/heli.