Jim Kelly

Jim Kelly has a unique reputation at the University of Northern Iowa. To some, he was a longtime educator at the university and Malcolm Price Laboratory School. To others, he is a passionate Panther fan who has written multiple books on UNI Athletics.

Kelly joined the staff at Price Lab School in 1969 to teach chemistry. During his tenure there, he created individualized project-centered curriculum in chemistry and biology. In 1990, he moved on from the Lab School and became the coordinator of student teachers at the university. Still, he continued to make an impact on science education in the state, assisting several high schools with updating their science programs. 

Kelly always wanted to share his expertise with others. He published two books on being a successful teacher, one directed at secondary educators and another directed at elementary teachers, which he co-authored with his wife Mary Jean Kelly.

It was after Kelly retired and became an emeritus professor in 2009 that he embarked on his new endeavor. Long a passionate advocate for UNI Athletics, he spent years researching, writing and ultimately publishing a book called “Tutors to Panthers: A Brief History of UNI Athletics" with the assistance of former coaches, administrators and athletes. 

Kelly’s later books — “Harwood Journey: A History of UNI Basketball” and “Gridiron: The Story of Panther Football” — honed in on the achievements of specific programs. Not only do all of Kelly’s books educate the public on the tremendous programs at the university, but proceeds from book sales also benefit UNI student-athletes.

"Jim is a one-of-a-kind type of Panther,” said Joel Wauters, assistant athletic director for communication at UNI. “His passion for learning and sharing the history of UNI and Panther Athletics is unlike anyone I've ever met before. He brings forth knowledge about our teams and university that not many people of my generation know about. His love for UNI is evident in his continued support of UNI students and their academic endeavors, and also through his attendance and financial support of Panther sporting programs.”

Although Kelly did not graduate from the University of Northern Iowa, his passion for all things Panthers earned him an Honorary Alumni Award in 2018. He was inducted into the Panther Hall of Fame in 2024 as recipient of the Dr. Jitu Kothari Meritorious Service Award.

Kelly’s passion for education and affection for his late wife led him to create the Jean Kelly Early Childhood Student Teaching Award, a scholarship which is awarded each semester to one early childhood education student at UNI.