Statements Magazine

Letter from the Dean

The stories featured in this edition of Statements Magazine reflect the remarkable innovation and impact taking place across the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

"Shaping Tomorrow" speaks to our commitment to evolving education to meet the needs of both today and tomorrow. We continue to adapt and grow to support innovative educational experiences for our students and workforce development that fits the priorities of a new generation.

Our departments and programs are leading with creativity and purpose by reimagining curriculum, building partnerships and preparing students for dynamic, values-driven careers. Whether through hands-on internships, service-learning courses, flexible online options or interdisciplinary initiatives, we remain focused on student success, career readiness and making meaningful contributions across Iowa and beyond.

In this year’s magazine, you’ll find inspiring stories of faculty, students and alumni whose work exemplifies the strength of our CSBS community. These connections and experiences continue to shape lives and create lasting impact. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, staying true to our roots while embracing new possibilities for the future.

As we look ahead, we remain deeply committed to fostering an environment where innovation thrives and where students are empowered to make a difference. Your engagement and support help drive this mission forward. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.

With pride,

BRENDA BASS
Dean, College Of Social & Behavioral Sciences

‌Nancy Hamilton

‌Nancy P. Hamilton passed away on Sept. 20, 2024 at Pinnacle Specialty Care in Cedar Falls.

Professor Hamilton was born Oct. 1, 1946, in San Francisco, Calif. She was raised in Concord, Calif, before graduating from Clayton Valley High School in 1964. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in Physical Education from San Jose State University along with earning her teaching credentials from San Jose State. She taught at John Muir High School in Pasadena, Calif., for a number of years prior to enrolling at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a Ph.D. in Biomechanics.

Professor Hamilton was a professor at UNI where she taught biomechanics. One of the leading academics in the biomechanics field, she published several research articles in refereed journals and authored a kinesiology textbook adopted by many colleges and universities nationwide. During this time, she also initiated the Iowa Adaptive Sports Camp at UNI. Professor Hamilton retired as a professor emeritus from UNI in June 2011.

Her love for the outdoors began with many backpacking and hiking adventures in the Sierra Mountains at an early age. She also enjoyed kayaking and geocaching in her later years. She was an avid cyclist completing 23 RAGBRAIs. When she wasn’t spending time outdoors, Professor Hamilton could be found watching her favorite vintage Western television shows, playing guitar or singing in her community choir. She traveled extensively throughout the world experiencing new places and cultures.

Christopher Edginton

Christopher R. Edginton died peacefully on Sept. 3, 2024 with his family lovingly by his side. Professor Edginton was born on April 12, 1946 in Oak Harbor, WA, to Clifford and Ruth Edginton, who raised their son in the San Francisco Bay Area along with his three sisters Deborah, Carol and Noelle. He earned his A.A. from Foothill College, B.A. in Recreation from San Jose State College, M.S. from the University of Illinois in Park and Recreation Administration, and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in Higher Education Management. He was a loving father and grandfather, patient mentor and trusted colleague to all who knew him.

Known affectionately as “Dr. E” by his students and colleagues, Professor Edginton was a professor emeritus at UNI, where he also previously served as the director of the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services from 1991-2010, and as the R.J. McElroy Professor of Youth Leadership. One of the leading academics of his generation in the parks and recreation and leisure studies field, Professor Edginton authored 16 books and over 350 articles during his prolific career, which redefined management and leadership concepts in his industry. He never stopped writing, publishing his last article in August 2024, only days before his passing. A strong proponent of the important role that leisure plays globally on life satisfaction, he also served as the Secretary General of the World Leisure Organization from 2004-2014, a career defining achievement.

Perhaps his most significant career accomplishment, Professor Edginton was the founder of the Camp Adventure Youth Services program, a service-learning initiative based at UNI that sent undergraduate students across the globe to serve U.S. military and diplomatic families in overseas locations in Japan, Korea, Germany, Italy and dozens of other countries. During the 35-year lifespan of the program, over 20,000 college students participated in the program serving hundreds of thousands of military youth and their families. Known for its empowering motto, Catch the Magic, the Camp Adventure program touched the lives of countless people throughout the world, creating magic moments for all who were part of it.