As the University of Northern Iowa celebrates its 150th anniversary, President Mark Nook asked the campus community to consider how the work of this year will shape its future. At the 2026 University Address, held from the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, he reflected on a year of student achievement, growing enrollment and new opportunities for research and service.

“What will we do this year that we'll be proud of tomorrow?” Nook asked, urging faculty and staff to build on UNI’s proud past during the anniversary year.

Nook welcomed new leaders, faculty and staff and recognized students and graduates for accomplishments in academics, service and athletics. He also highlighted UNI’s new Carnegie classification as a Research College and University and its continued recognition for community engagement.

Recent grants are expanding opportunities across the university, including paid humanities internships, initiatives to strengthen science education and projects that support students and Iowa’s workforce. Nook credited faculty and staff for connecting that work to the needs of students and communities.

The address also celebrated enrollment growth. UNI welcomed its largest incoming freshman class since 2017 and reached 9,366 students overall. Nook pointed to a four-year graduation rate of 60%, a milestone he attributed to the campus’s sustained work to help students finish their degrees on time.

Looking ahead, Nook said UNI will build on its distinctive strengths in student success, the UNI experience and community partnerships. A new strategic planning committee will be named this fall as the university considers how to adapt to changes in higher education and strengthen its long-term financial stability.

“We create an environment where every individual can reach their academic, their professional, and their personal life goals,” Nook said. He closed by thanking the campus community for the part it plays in making that promise real for students and in shaping UNI’s next chapter.