UNI 150 Stories & News

1995, Coach Mark Farley talking to football players during a game.

Mark Farley

The “walk-on from Waukon” never looked back, becoming the winningest coach in the Missouri Valley Football Conference's history.
Juanita Wright in 1994 sitting at her office desk.

Juanita Wright

Once one of only five Latinx students, Juanita Wright later built programs that would open the door to a UNI degree to thousands who followed.
Nick Nurse with Coach of the Year trophy.

Nick Nurse

A story of tireless work and Panther Pride carried all the way to basketball’s most sought-after trophy.
Headshot of Pernell Cezar.

Pernell Cezar

Through impactful leadership and a strong work ethic ignited at the UNI, he grew his business from his garage into the first Black-owned coffee company with national distribution.
AJ Green playing for the UNI Panthers.

AJ Green

From local courts in Cedar Falls to the McLeod Center and beyond… The first UNI Panther to play in the highest levels of the NBA.
UNI Together

UNI launches “UNI Together” one-minute video competition

Got a knack for short videos? The University of Northern Iowa is inviting students, alumni, faculty and staff to share UNI stories through a new creative competition called “UNI Together.”
Photo of Mickye Johnson standing against a stair railing.

Mickye Johnson

For more than 30 years, he empowered first-generation and low-income students to pursue higher education and transform their futures.
Headshot of Morris Mikkelsen

Morris Mikkelsen

From renovations of century-old halls to the bold design of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, that cohesive vision can be traced back to one man.
Headshot of Nixson Benitez

Nixson Benitez

As a first-generation college student and second-generation immigrant, he felt pressure to make the “right” choice. Instead, he redefined it — championing underrepresented journalists and making his student newspaper more inclusive.
Headshot of Judith Harrington.

Judith Harrington

During her tenure in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, she not only left a lasting impact on students but also served as chair of the faculty, reshaping faculty governance and advancing equity for women.