University of Northern Iowa Homepage Stories & News

A UNI alumnus receives the COVID-19 vaccine.

Panthers on the frontlines among first to receive COVID-19 vaccine

Working as a CNA at Mercy One Medical Center in Cedar Falls, junior pre-med biology and global health major Mikaela Elenz risked her health protecting COVID patients, some of whom died. Now, she, and other Panthers, are among the first in the state to get vaccinated, providing a welcome ray of hope after a difficult year of illness and uncertainty.

“It was kind of cathartic to be able to get the vaccine after I had watched all the trauma and havoc that coronavirus has put on families and communities,” said Elenz, who sees the vaccine as an important step in ending the pandemic. 

UNI athlete Jessica Heims.

Local donor supports UNI athlete on her Paralympic journey

Every four years, thousands of athletes from across the globe gather for the Olympics and Paralympics. This year, the games are slated to be held in Tokyo and UNI Track and Field athlete Jessica Heims is on pace to compete as a member of the US Paralympic Team. With the help of local donor Dan Deery, her family won't miss the opportunity to watch her compete. 

UNI campus

Cedar Valley Women’s March to discuss the intersections of feminism in the United States and Cedar Valley

UNI NEWS SERVICES – The University of Northern Iowa welcomes the community to the 2nd Annual Cedar Valley Women’s March. Due to Covid-19 precautions, the march will shift its format to a virtual discussion and explore the intersections of feminism in the United States and Cedar Valley. 

Black Lives Matter

UNI invites community to join Quest for Racial Equity

UNI NEWS SERVICES - A new University of Northern Iowa program launching today aims to spark community conversation about racial injustice and systemic change. 

The program, Cultivating Justice: A Quest Toward Racial Equity, is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and starts Jan. 25. Through an emailed weekly newsletter, it will expose participants to new issues and ideas, as well as local resources. Participants can register online.

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A quest for social justice

Systemic racism can take many forms, including in housing, medical care and the criminal justice system, but it can also occur in everyday technology - even automatic soap dispensers.

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Performing on college football’s biggest stage

Not many students can say they have performed at the College Football National Championship, but 12 members of the UNI Panther Marching Band now have that honor. 

Piano

UNI School of Music’s Community Music School to offer UNI Children’s Choir this spring

UNI NEWS SERVICES – The University of Northern Iowa Community Music School will offer an in-person, music-making experience for children this spring. The University of Northern Iowa Children’s Choir (UNICC) is a choral ensemble for students in grades 3 through 7.

Spring rehearsals start Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m., on the UNI campus.

Provost and Executive Vice President Jim Wohlpart stands at the podium during commencement.

UNI provost accepts presidency at Central Washington University

After six years at the University of Northern Iowa, Provost and Executive Vice President Jim Wohlpart will be leaving in June to become president of Central Washington University. 

“It has been a deep honor to partner with so many faculty, staff and administrators across campus to elevate the great work of teaching, learning, scholarship and service here,” Wohlpart said. He added that working with students at UNI has been one of the best parts of his job. “I’m excited to start this new role and will leave campus with many wonderful memories and lasting relationships.” 

UNI campus

UNI’s outdoor football practice facility receives $2 million gift

UNI NEWS SERVICES – A $2 million gift from Doug and Ann Goschke, residents of Port St. Lucie, Florida, has set the stage to make outdoor artificial turf a reality for the University of Northern Iowa football program.

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UNI accounting program giving graduates a head start

When looking at institutions, Derek Hertges knew he wanted an accounting program that would prepare him for the real world. 

Thanks to the Masters of Accounting program, a growing venture from the UNI College of Business Administration, he was given the tools to thrive in his professional career. The program seeks to get students into the workforce faster and more prepared than peers at other institutions by allowing them to take classes that cover undergraduate and graduate requirements simultaneously.