Iowa governor visits UNI: “The future of Iowa’s workforce is being built right here”
Iowa governor visits UNI: “The future of Iowa’s workforce is being built right here”
Iowa governor Kim Reynolds made a weekend visit to the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. During her visit, Reynolds toured two newly renovated facilities supporting programs designed to meet high-demand areas across the state.
Home to engineering and construction management majors, the Applied Engineering Building houses state-of-the-art labs, including what program leaders describe as the most modern foundry in the world. The facility came to life through more than $40 million in state support, approved by the Iowa legislature in April 2020, and officially opened with a ribbon-cutting in March 2025.
The UNI Applied Engineering Building has since been transformed through a two-phase renovation and expansion that reflects UNI’s commitment to hands-on, industry-aligned education. With a 40,000-square-foot addition and 60,000 square feet of renovated space, the 100,000-square-foot facility now features cutting-edge laboratories, advanced instructional spaces and active learning spaces designed for collaboration and innovation.
Following the engineering tour, Reynolds visited the Innovative Teaching and Technology Center, home to the UNI nursing program. UNI Nursing Facilities recently completed a multi-phase renovation that includes a foundations skills lab, medical-surgical lab, labor and delivery suite, pediatric simulation room and high-fidelity simulators across all levels of training.
In a social media post following the visit, Reynolds said, “Loved the opportunity to visit University of Northern Iowa and learn more about their nursing and applied engineering programs. The future of Iowa’s workforce is being built right here!”
Governor Reynolds capped the day by attending a men’s basketball game, watching the UNI Panthers defeat the Drake Bulldogs in the McLeod Center.
