A proud UNI alumnus, Senator Chuck Grassley is the longest-serving U.S. senator from Iowa, and the longest-serving Republican senator in history. He is the most senior member of the U.S. Senate and currently serves as the president pro tempore emeritus of the United States Senate. 

“We are most grateful for Senator and Mrs. Grassley’s time-honored commitment to the University of Northern Iowa,” said University of Northern Iowa President Mark Nook. “The gifts of papers and endowed professorship are a tremendous testament to the value of our mission to educate curious and engaged future leaders, committed to public service. They provide an unmatched resource for students, faculty and the public, and provide a clear example of the impact of one person’s life who dedicated himself in service to his state and country. The gifts also create a unique opportunity to build a lasting tribute to Senator Grassley's distinguished career and lifelong commitment to civic education and public service.”

UNI’s Rod Library currently houses Senator Grassley’s political papers from his time in the Iowa House of Representatives and the U.S. House of Representatives through 1980. The existing collection comprises constituent correspondence, agency reports, and congressional documents and files, along with historic materials from the Third District. The new gift, covering his time in the U.S. Senate, will complete the collection of papers from his entire career in public office, providing researchers, faculty and students a rich source of materials spanning a distinguished career of more than 60 years. All materials will be delivered to the University upon conclusion of Senator Grassley’s service in the United States Senate.  

Donna R. Hoffman, PhD, has been named the Chuck and Barbara Grassley Professor of Political Science. A nationally-known scholar of presidential rhetoric, Hoffman teaches courses on American political institutions, including the presidency and Congress, and is frequently sought out by media throughout the state and nation for her insights and nonpartisan analysis of politics. As the Chuck and Barbara Grassley Professor of Political Science, Hoffman will provide programming to UNI students and the broader community related to her scholarship and the importance of Congress and public service.

“I am honored to be named the inaugural Chuck and Barbara Grassley Professor of Political Science. Senator Grassley’s commitment to public service is longstanding, and has its roots at Iowa State Teachers College, now University of Northern Iowa. Senator and Mrs. Grassley’s gift confirms their trust in our commitment to preparing the next generation of public servants and citizens who understand that the continued functioning of our democracy isn’t automatic, but requires concerted effort and education,” said Hoffman.