The youngest of five children, Dr. Constance “Connie” Hargrave earned a Bachelor’s of Science Communications Studies from Evangel University and a Master’s of Arts in Communications & Training Technology from the University of Northern Iowa.  She served as the first Science Education Outreach Coordinator for the Ames Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy before earning a Ph.D. from Iowa State University in Curriculum & Instructional Technology. Hargrave served as a Senior Associate for Educational Technology and Science Education at the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington D.C. before joining the faculty at Iowa State University.

Hargrave was appointed associate dean for equity and engagement for the College of Engineering in May 2021.

A long-standing member of the Iowa State University faculty, Hargrave has taught courses and conducted research in the area of learning technologies. During her tenure, Hargrave has been a prolific in grant writer, successfully securing more than 65 grants and $8.2 million to support research and development projects in the areas of learning technologies, teacher education, and STEM educational development.

For over 11 years, Hargrave served as the Director of the Iowa State University Science Bound program. Science Bound is Iowa State University’s premiere program to prepare Iowa students of color to earn degrees and pursue careers in STEM fields. Hargrave has leveraged her university professorship to extend and further college access to students of color. Nearly 1,000 students have participated in Science Bound during Hargrave’s tenure; more than 500 earned 4-year college scholarships to study in STEM fields, and nearly 100 have graduated as engineers, scientists, and technologists.

The recipient of numerous awards, Hargrave’s instructional, research, and outreach innovations have been recognized by the ISU Alumni Association, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Council, and Excelencia in Education.

An active member of the community, Hargrave has provided pro bono technology consultation to minority-owned businesses, served multiple terms on the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club, and on numerous community boards and committees. An avid sports fan who knows the value of physical activity, Hargrave has coached youth sports teams, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and used her comedic talents to emcee and perform stand-up routines for various charity and non-profit organizations. The words she strives to live by are simple yet clear:

“STRENGTH IS FOR SERVICE, NOT STATUS”