The Hansen Award honors persons who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in the public health field and brings them to the University of Iowa campus for interaction with students, faculty, and public health professionals. 

The Richard and Barbara Hansen Leadership Award and Distinguished Lectureship was established in 2001, thanks to a generous gift from the first College of Public Health Founding Partners, Richard and Barbara Hansen. This annual award and lectureship honors persons who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in the public health field and brings them to the University of Iowa campus for interaction with students, faculty, and public health professionals. Nominations for the Hansen Leadership Award are solicited annually from faculty, staff, and students of the College of Public Health.