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Des Moines University has named Leah Glasgo, market president of UnityPoint Health -- Fort Dodge, the 2026 College of Health Sciences Alumna of the Year.
Raised in Clarinda, 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 fulltime. 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.
Glasgo is a member of 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.
"This is about taking care of your community and your neighbors," Glasgo said.
Glasgo will be recognized during an alumni awards ceremony on Sept. 18 at DMU.