CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The City of Cedar Falls and Cedar Falls Utilities have awarded the University of Northern Iowa nursing program the 2025 John Milton Overman Education Award. The honor is part of the 2025 Business & Industry and Community Awards, which recognizes individuals, groups and businesses for their continued investment in the community.

“In the face of growing demand and interest by students, the University of Northern Iowa is taking steps to bolster existing health-related programs while launching new degrees, partnerships and opportunities for students interested in health and human sciences,” the City of Cedar Falls said in its announcement. 

UNI launched its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in fall 2024 to increase the number of working nurses in Iowa and produce graduates who are clinically focused and practice-ready. 

“UNI’s nursing program is dedicated to preparing highly skilled, compassionate nurses ready to serve our communities,” said Ella Oberhart, a first-year nursing student from Altoona. “With Iowa facing a growing demand for health care professionals, this program is a gamechanger—helping to strengthen the workforce and improve patient care across the state. I’m excited to be part of this journey and to see how UNI continues to shape the future of nursing.”

“This award is a true honor, and the entire nursing faculty, students and staff are sincerely appreciative of the recognition,” said Dr. Nancy Kertz, head of the Department of Nursing & Public Health and chief academic nurse administrator. “UNI nursing is committed to providing a contemporary and innovative education to produce practice-ready graduates to meet the needs of our Iowa community.”

Award recipients will be honored at a luncheon on May 1, at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls.