The new center will honor the legacy of Chuck and Barbara Grassley while expanding opportunities for civic learning, scholarship and public engagement

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The Iowa Board of Regents has approved the establishment of a university-wide center at the University of Northern Iowa dedicated to civic education, public engagement, leadership development and archival stewardship. The center will be named the Chuck and Barbara Grassley Center, with the formal naming becoming official upon the conclusion of Senator Charles Grassley's service in public office.

The center represents a unique opportunity for UNI to honor the legacy of Chuck and Barbara Grassley while advancing the university's commitment to preparing students for engaged citizenship, supporting scholarship and research, and fostering informed dialogue about public service and civic life. The center will serve as a resource for learning, dialogue, scholarship and public service.

Building upon the extensive collection of Senator Grassley's papers housed at UNI, the center will provide opportunities for students, researchers and the public to engage with the history of public service, government and civic life. The Grassley Collection includes records from Senator Grassley’s service in the Iowa House of Representatives, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, documenting nearly seven decades of public service.

“I’m honored to say that UNI will house my legislative papers and materials from my decades of public service,” said Senator Charles Grassley. “Barbara and I are proud to promote civic education and support UNI’s teaching and research mission for generations to come.”

“UNI is honored to be entrusted with this extraordinary collection and to create new opportunities for students, scholars and communities to engage with the history of public service,” said UNI President Mark Nook. “The Chuck and Barbara Grassley Center will build upon Senator and Mrs. Grassley’s deep connection to this university and their shared commitment to civic education, scholarship and service.”

Senator Charles Grassley is a proud alumnus of the University of Northern Iowa, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Iowa State Teachers College, now UNI. His connection to the university began on a small family farm in Butler County and has continued throughout a lifetime of public service.

Barbara Grassley enrolled at UNI in 1954 and later returned to complete her accounting degree in 1983. She has remained a strong advocate for her alma mater and a longtime supporter of UNI Athletics.

Through its work, the center will support student opportunities, scholarly access to the Grassley Collection, educational initiatives, public engagement activities and research opportunities designed to strengthen understanding of government, public service and civic life.

UNI is developing a comprehensive fundraising and implementation strategy to support the center’s long-term sustainability.