For the first time, the University of Northern Iowa has earned the distinction of being named the No. 1 public regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has proclaimed Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, as University of Northern Iowa Sesquicentennial Day in recognition of the university’s 150th anniversary.
UNI will formally recognize the sesquicentennial milestone later this month, with a day of celebrations honoring the university’s 150-year history and its tradition of public service.
The 150-year history of the University of Northern Iowa is featured in the September/October 2026 issue of Iowa History Journal, thanks to an article submitted by Assistant Professor of History Kevin Mason. You can read an excerpt of the story here on Inside UNI!
For decades, a bronze plaque on UNI’s Campanile claimed that the historic tower clock mechanism had won the “World’s Grand Prize” at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. There was just one problem… the prize had never existed.
UNI, the City of Cedar Falls and others in the community have been working diligently to make improvements across campus to make your experience even better this fall. While much of that work is already complete, please note that some projects are still ongoing.
As farmers market season hits full stride in the Cedar Valley, a local program connecting families with fresh, locally grown food is celebrating a major milestone with UNI's Veggie Vouchers Program.
