Business Stories & News

Joyful Java is thriving in Dike, Iowa

Small Town, Big Impact: Joyful Java thrives with the help of the UNI Small Business Development Center

Joyful Java began when friends Angie Koop and Laura Dove transformed a neglected Dike building into a community‑focused coffee shop with guidance from the UNI Small Business Development Center. Now entering year two, the owners are expanding menus, retail offerings, and community events—proving passion and persistence fuel small‑town success.
SHRM Superior Merit Award badge

National honor recognizes UNI-SHRM’s impact on future HR leaders

UNI-SHRM’s award-winning mentorship and professional development efforts are helping students build confidence, make connections and launch careers.
Students walk past Curris Business Building, where Wilson students turn internships into career confidence through hands-on learning and real-world business experiences.

Wilson students turn internships into career confidence

What do internships really teach you? Three Wilson students share what they learned beyond the classroom.
Student holding notebooks in front of a stock market display, representing a finance degree and double major career opportunities

Best double majors for finance students

A finance degree opens doors across nearly every industry. Discover the best double majors that can expand your career options and make your business education even more valuable.
The Princeton Review Best Business Schools baddge

UNI MBA marks 20 years as a Princeton Review Best Business School

The UNI MBA has earned The Princeton Review's Best Business Schools distinction for the 20th consecutive year, offering an affordable, flexible program designed to help professionals advance their careers in as few as 10 courses.
Ken Brown

Ken Brown named dean of UNI Wilson College of Business

The University of Northern Iowa has selected Ken Brown as its next dean of the David W. Wilson College of Business. Brown returns to UNI after serving as a faculty member for nearly 20 years and will begin his new role on July 15. 
Sponsors celebrating Family Business Day on June 23, 2026

UNI’s Family Business Center expands industry network with four leading Iowa firms

Four Iowa firms have pledged their support to the University of Northern Iowa Family Business Center (FBC) for the 2026-27 program year. 
UNI students Breyer Ellison, Muhammad Khan Niazi and Reiter Patzner earned the gold national advertising award.

UNI students win Gold national advertising award

A group of UNI students came home with the competition’s highest honors at the National American Advertising Awards, the advertising industry’s largest competition, which attracts more than 25,000 entries each year from both industry professionals and students.
Curris courtyard after opening

How Curris became the heart of business at UNI

For 35 years, the Curris Business Building has been the heart of business at UNI. Now, the spaces that shaped generations of students are helping define the future of business education.
Students in caps and gowns at UNI Commencement

UNI recognizes students on Spring 2026 graduation and dean’s lists

The University of Northern Iowa is pleased to celebrate the academic achievements of students named to the spring 2026 graduation and dean’s lists.