Wilson College of Business Stories & News

JuanDaniel poses in front of Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel

Students gain valuable AI skills and international experience in France

Artificial intelligence has been making headlines throughout the year, and a study abroad program offered by the UNI College of Business provides students with the opportunity to learn more about this flourishing tool – all while living in France.
Debbie Pongo standing next to UNI representatives

Iowa City student's dedication rewarded with full-ride scholarship to UNI

Debbie Pongo, a recent graduate of Iowa City High School, will attend the University of Northern Iowa on a full-ride scholarship as part of the Noel Scholars program. The scholarship is made possible by the generous gift from Rick (Accounting, ‘90) and Lisa Noel, and covers all expenses including tuition & fees, housing, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Every year, one recipient is chosen based on their dedication to learning and ability to achieve success despite facing difficult circumstances. The scholarship is renewable for three years.
FBLA students at national conference

University of Northern Iowa's FBLA club named Outstanding Chapter of the Year

The University of Northern Iowa’s collegiate chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) made its mark at the 2023 FBLA National Leadership Conference taking top honors and  winning the prestigious Outstanding Chapter of the Year award.
Scott Burak talks with group of students

Social media account showcasing all things Iowa traces its roots back to UNI

An Iowa-focused social media account showcasing memes, lifestyle, and the overall joys of living in the state has gone viral, garnering widespread attention both online and within Iowa itself. It’s called Iowa Chill, and the brand's story starts here at the University of Northern Iowa.
Student working on art project

Multicultural art project celebrates diversity within the College of Business

The UNI College of Business’ Multicultural Business Leaders Association (mBLA) created a mural to celebrate and spread awareness around diversity, inclusion during Black History Month, with the final piece being unveiled for Juneteenth.
Illustration of globe

People, planet, profit and purpose: Business beyond shareholders

Milton Friedman advocated profit-focused business responsibility, while John Elkington introduced the triple bottom line (people, planet, profit). Today, businesses prioritize stakeholders' well-being, environmental impact, profit, and purpose-driven initiatives. Corporate social responsibility attracts customers and recruits socially conscious employees.
UNI staff in the Build a Better Iowa podcast studio

Podcast tells the story about UNI’s Business and Community Services

The University of Northern Iowa's Business and Community Services (BCS) launched a podcast in March 2023 to showcase its programs and services. The podcast, called "Building a Better Iowa," features interviews with people from each of BCS's 12 outreach programs. The podcast has been a hit, with two seasons released so far. The team plans to continue the podcast and dive deeper into the different stories and clients BCS services.
Business People Walking

Generational Stereotypes Poor Predictor

For years defining and pigeon-holing generations has been a cottage industry. Some pundits have pitted generation against generation, including the condescending dismissal expressed by some contemporary young people: “Okay, Boomer.”
People discussing something on laptop

Techniques for Building a Resilient and Sustainable Organization

Business leaders might be happy to learn about current nuts and bolts research on how to manage a nimble, sustainable, "learning" organization over the long haul. During the last half of the last century, tried and true management methods seemed to meet their match.  The rigid command and control methods of a traditional corporate hierarchy couldn't keep up with an increasingly global economy, tangible impacts of dwindling natural resources, and shifting social attitudes.
Faculty Members looking over new Employee Ownership Center

Advance Iowa Creates Employee Ownership Center

UNI’s Advance Iowa is creating an Employee Ownership Center to advance the College’s mission to promote the economic vitality of Iowa communities. Across the U.S., small business closures have been identified as a potential crisis for rural and underserved populations. A 2022 Business Enterprise Institute (BEI) study found over 80% of business owners plan to exit in the next decade. Few of these businesses have a succession plan or plans to transfer ownership. If these businesses close, that could be especially devastating for rural families and economies. Every business…