Business and Community Services Stories & News

UNI helps develop new legislation to promote sustainable food practices, reduce food waste

New federal legislation introduced today would promote sustainable food practices and food waste reduction by partnering research centers like one at the University of Northern Iowa with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. UNI has been instrumental in working with Congress to develop legislation that will bring effective and sustainable solutions to reducing food waste.

UNI campus

UNI to be Iowa host institution for worldwide climate change project

The University of Northern Iowa will be Iowa’s host institution for a worldwide project for educators and community members on what can be done in the state to address climate change over the next decade. 

Local business owner Rosie Daniels

Empowering Black businesses

Rosie Daniels' dream of owning a business started in her basement in the summer of 2019.

Now, less than two years later, the natural hair- and skin-care products from her business, LuLit’s Hair Essence, are on the shelves of Hy-Vee, and she credits a community business accelerator that had assistance from the University of Northern Iowa with helping her get there.Local business owner Rosie Daniels

UNI campus

UNI to host father of environmental justice Robert Bullard

The Aldo Leopold Distinguished Lecture Series committee is excited to announce that Robert Bullard, known as the “father of environmental justice,” will deliver a timely virtual presentation focused on the intersections of climate change and environmental justice. This event is free and open to all audiences.

The presentation will be hosted via Zoom at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 1. It will be followed by a Q&A session.UNI campus

Windmills

UNI awarded more than $800,000 for energy-focused projects

The Iowa Energy Center announced more than $800,000 in grant funding to two University of Northern Iowa projects working to boost energy efficiency in underserved rural areas and educate the next generation about career opportunities in an ever-evolving energy market.

The IEC awarded $418,696 to the Developing an Iowa Energy Curriculum for Secondary Classrooms project proposed by UNI’s Earth and Environmental Sciences department, which will develop and disseminate an energy curriculum for Iowa middle and high school students that incorporates career connections into each topic.

iwrc food waste container

Iowa Waste Reduction Center awarded $99,000 grant to reduce food waste in rural Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa’s Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) is launching a Comprehensive Regional Food Waste Diversion Project with help from the United States Department of Agriculture.
UNI Curris Business Building

UNI business program one of only 25 to receive national award

A program from the University of Northern Iowa’s College of Business Administration was one of only 25 programs nationwide to receive the AASCB Innovations That Inspire award, which recognizes institutions from around the world that serve as champions of change in the business education landscape. 
UNI student Rob Sales, a student entrepreneur, sells his donuts during a basketball game at McLeod Center.

UNI student spreads joy one doughnut at a time

Robert Sales arrived at UNI knowing he wanted to be an entrepreneur.

The Pella native’s business instincts had been apparent since he was a first-grader who won a contract mowing vacant lots in his neighborhood. At UNI, Sales focused on the food industry, launching a food truck business and then, with help from professors and mentors, narrowed his focus to selling mini doughnuts. 

Food waste

The enormous cost of food waste and what can be done about it

Food waste is a big problem throughout the world, and the United States is one of the biggest offenders. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food waste is estimated at between 30-40% of the total United States food supply. That equals about 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food. 

Not only is wasting food an ethical or moral issue, it’s a business and economic one. That’s literally billions of dollars being thrown away, directly affecting revenue, profits and economic vitality. Luckily, food waste is starting to get attention in business circles.

The team of UNI alumnus Russell Karim's new business, Dhakai.

UNI empowers entrepreneur’s impactful startup

UNI alumnus and entrepreneur Russell Karim's newest venture seeks to boost profitability and workers' salaries in apparel companies in his home country of Bangladesh.