Peggy Urtz

After graduating from Drake University in 1983 I started working part-time at the Fort Des Moines Residential Correctional Facility. I fell in love with the work. I stayed on with the Fifth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services for 33 years working at Fort Des Moines and the Women's Residential Correctional Facility. I have experience working with adults and juveniles with an emphasis in the counseling and treatment aspect. I retired from the 5th District in Nov. 2016. I've taught in the Criminal Justice department at Des Moines Area Community College since 2011. I taught my first class at Grand View in the spring of 2017.

I began co-facilitating a Batterer's Education group at the 5th District Department of Correctional Services through a grant/study with Iowa State University. This group work began in August 2018 and is expected to continue for about 2 years. I began advising some Grand View students in the Fall of 2018. I also teach a Driver Improvement class at DMACC that is a DOT requirement for some driving violations.  

Education Background

• B.A. degree in Sociology from Drake University
• Master's Degree in Social Work, University of Iowa
• Licensed Independent Social Worker

Start Date at Grand View

• January 2017

Areas of Expertise

• Criminal Justice
• Community-based corrections

Accomplishments

• Managed a Women's Residential Correctional Facility for a number of years
• Past President of the Iowa Corrections Association

Personal Interests

• I love to travel and spend time with family and friends.
• I volunteer with my church and reading to a child after school.
• I enjoy watching a variety of sporting events.
• I like rock 'n roll music, riding my bike and relaxing with a good book or favorite TV show.
• Volunteer at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women
• Read as a volunteer for the Iowa Radio and Reading Information Service for the Blind and Print Handicapped With IRIS
• Facilitate a group at Hiatt Middle School for teen girls who have a parent or relative incarcertated.

Questions & Answers