Leah Glasgo Named Des Moines University College of Health Sciences Alumna of the Year

Leah Glasgo Named Des Moines University College of Health Sciences Alumna of the Year

Jul 16, 2026

Des Moines University (DMU) has announced their 2026 Alumni Award Winners, recognizing leaders in medicine, healthcare and education. Leah Glasgo, Market President, UnityPoint Health - Fort Dodge was named the 2026 College of Health Sciences Alumna of the Year.

"These alumni reflect the very best of DMU," says Angela L. Walker Franklin, PhD, DMU President and CEO. "They are leading with purpose, serving with compassion and extending the impact of their DMU education in meaningful ways."

Raised in Clarinda, Iowa, Glasgo knew from a young age that she wanted to become a nurse after watching her aunt and her aunt's best friend return home from shifts at the local community hospital. She began her career as a nurse in 1997 before stepping into leadership roles that allowed her to support patients, team members and communities in new ways.

To strengthen her executive leadership skills, Glasgo earned her Master of Health Care Administration degree from DMU while working full time. She credits the program with helping her build the business and operational knowledge needed to complement her clinical background and lead effectively in complex health care environments.

Since joining UnityPoint Health - Fort Dodge as market president in 2019, Glasgo has continued to champion rural health care and advocate for access to services across the region. Under her leadership, UnityPoint Health - Fort Dodge has continued to expand services and strengthen care for patients close to home, including the launch of a new cardiology program in Fort Dodge and ongoing work on a major surgery addition and renovation project slated to open in March 2027.

"Leah is a valued leader whose dedication to health care, rural communities and UnityPoint Health is evident in everything she does," says Jenni Friedly, Chief Operating Officer, UnityPoint Health. "She leads with compassion and care, and her commitment to improving access to high-quality care continues to make a meaningful difference for patients, team members and the communities we serve."

Glasgo's impact also extends beyond Iowa through her service on the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees, where she serves as a voice for rural and community hospitals and advocates for policies that support access, affordability and the unique needs of smaller health systems.

Throughout her nearly three-decade career in health care, Glasgo has remained focused on serving others, investing in talent and supporting the people who make care possible each day. She says one of her greatest professional accomplishments has been mentoring others and watching them grow into successful leaders.

Glasgo will be recognized during an alumni awards ceremony on September 18th at DMU.

"Leah is a valued leader whose dedication to health care, rural communities and UnityPoint Health is evident in everything she does. She leads with compassion and care, and her commitment to improving access to high-quality care continues to make a meaningful difference for patients, team members and the communities we serve."

Jenni Friedly Chief Operating Officer, UnityPoint Health

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