University of Northern Iowa Homepage Stories & News

Recent UNI Art graduate awarded space at Hearst Red House Studios

The UNI Alumni Studio at the Red House Studios – a partnership between the Hearst Center for the Arts and the UNI Department of Art – was awarded in July to a recent graduate of UNI’s studio art program.

Andrew Dickerson (BFA Photography, 2019) will be using the space, located on the Hearst property, to further his art practice over the next year. 

Jess Cruz, outreach educator and exhibit preparator for the UNI Museum.

From UNI Museum, helping make campus more inclusive

Jess Cruz, outreach educator and exhibit preparator for the UNI Museum, doesn’t just help prepare students for careers in museum studies through her work. As a proud Hispanic and bisexual woman, Cruz also serves as an advocate for students across campus.

UNI's STAR4D grows painter training program for U.S. Department of Defense

A nationally recognized painter training program at the University of Northern Iowa has been awarded a federal contract to provide training at 20 U.S. military sites across the country. 

Gallagher Bluedorn receives $2 million gift for renovation and expansion

The Pauline R. Barrett Charitable Foundation has invested $2 million in the renovation and expansion of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. 

“Pauline was known throughout the Cedar Valley for her philanthropy and volunteerism,” said UNI President Mark A. Nook. “During her lifetime, the university was fortunate to have her support for student scholarships as well as various capital projects across campus. UNI and the Cedar Valley are stronger because of Pauline’s transformational support of her community.”

UNI to distribute $10.7 million in new COVID-19 relief funding

The University of Northern Iowa has received its third and largest allotment of federal COVID-19 relief funding, which will provide additional financial assistance to qualifying students impacted by the pandemic.

Students participate in a theatre workshop at UNI.

Teaching through theater

A new partnership between UNI’s Department of Theatre and its Classic Upward Bound program is helping prepare low-income and first-generation Waterloo high school students for college, by using the skills gained through acting and improvising.
UNI alum DaQuan Campbell interacts with a customers at the Waterloo Urban Farmers Market.

UNI alum spreads love for local foods, revitalizes Waterloo farmer’s market

Waterloo native DaQuan Campbell, a business management graduate, has grown the market from 15 vendors to more than 40 while launching a fresh produce venture of his own. “I wanted to make sure it had an impact on the community,” he says. 
UNI alum Tanner Roos

UNI alum has award-winning approach to physical education

Tanner Roos, UNI alum and elementary physical education teacher, has won awards for his forward-thinking approach to physical education, but fitness has been a lifelong love for the Denison native. Today, he shares his passion for an engaging, inclusive form of PE with his Linn Grove Elementary classroom in Marion.
Belinda Creighton-Smith

Community organizer, UNI instructor reflects on Juneteenth

With the passage of a long-awaited, landmark bill that made Juneteenth, which celebrates the emancipation of African-American slaves shortly after the end of the Civil War, a federal holiday, Inside UNI spoke with local pastor and instructor in the department of social work Belinda Creighton-Smith about the long-celebrated day. Creighton-Smith spoke about the role the murder of George Floyd played in increasing national attention on Juneteenth, the local celebrations planned and the racial issues in society that still need to be addressed. 
Janel Alleyne

UNI assistant dean paves her own path

Janel Alleyne has built a vibrant 13-year career in higher education, but her journey has been unique. Born in Guyana, South America and raised in New York, Alleyne grew up with dreams of becoming a corporate attorney. But impactful educational and professional experiences, combined with own passion and determination, helped her carve her own path and become a role model for diverse students at UNI.