Donna Hoffman, the Chuck and Barbara Grassley Professor of Political Science, has earned a national reputation as a leading scholar of the American presidency during 25 years at UNI. An expert on presidential rhetoric, particularly the State of the Union address, Hoffman also is known for demanding, rewarding courses that pair high expectations with a strong commitment to helping students succeed.

Thomas Hockey has inspired UNI students for nearly four decades while advancing the study of astronomy and its history. A recent recipient of the LeRoy E. Doggett Prize for Historical Astronomy, Hockey combines distinguished scholarship with hands-on teaching and decades of public outreach. His contributions have even been recognized among the stars: asteroid (25153) Tomhockey was named in his honor.

Andrey Petrov has built an internationally recognized Arctic research program that strengthens communities and expands UNI’s global reputation. He has secured more than $10 million in external funding while creating opportunities for students and early-career scholars. His collaborative work gives Indigenous scholars leadership roles and has helped establish UNI as home to a respected international center for Arctic research.

Dave Marchesani, director of the Office of Academic Advising, has spent more than 25 years helping UNI students find their path and achieve their goals. His student-first leadership has strengthened advising services, professional development and new student orientation. He also helped create Panther Access, Connection, and Engagement (PACE), ensuring first-generation and low-income students continued receiving essential support after a federally funded program ended.

Amanda Jahnke Sauer, marketing and communications manager for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, helps 28 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate programs communicate their value to prospective students and families. Known for her creativity and collaborative approach, she played a central role in introducing UNI’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and continues that leadership with the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Stacia Eggers, senior associate athletic director for student services and senior woman administrator, has spent more than 15 years helping UNI student-athletes excel in competition, in the classroom and in life. A respected advocate and mentor, she has helped student-athletes maintain a collective grade point average above the general student body while championing community service and student-athlete well-being at UNI and nationally.

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