Business Stories & News

A child stepping on giant books

What if…We Educated Citizens Rather Than Consumers?

Many years ago, when I was teaching at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, I attended a talk given by Benjamin Barber, an American political theorist.  I remember the talk well, because he posed what seemed to me a profound question—did American colleges and universities educate their students to be citizens or consumers?  You might imagine that a political theorist would think we should strive to educate and develop good citizens first, perhaps even at the expense of educating them to be good consumers.  And you would be correct, at least in Barber’s case—that was his…
BLK & Bold Coffee

Alumni's coffee business lands deal with NBA

Pernell Cezar, Jr. (Marketing and Financial Management, ’10) doesn’t allow himself too much time for pinch-me moments. The co-founder and CEO of BLK & Bold Specialty Coffee, Cezar prefers to look ahead — “keep my eye on the ball,” Cezar says. “I can get easily overwhelmed if I pause and acknowledge those moments.”
Students presenting

Business students learn creative problem-solving in managerial course

Being a creative but logical manager is an asset in today’s business world. That’s why Sarah Rosol, Instructor of Management, has centered her managerial problem-solving course around a “whole-brain approach,” mixing the analytical skills on the right side of the brain with the creative left side.
Members holding the trophy

UNI advertising team takes top honors

On Friday, April 22, 2022, a team of advertising students from UNI took home the top prize at the AAF District 9 National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) in Kansas City, Missouri for their winning campaign for Meta to promote the Quest 2 VR headset.  
MIS student

What can you do with a Management Information Systems degree?

In today’s business climate—which is ever-increasingly digital—a background in management information systems (MIS) is crucial for any organization. As you might have guessed, this career is expected to grow even more over the next decade as businesses become more technology-focused. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions in MIS are expected to increase 12% by 2026. And because demand is so high for this type of background, median salaries are above average compared to other college majors. If you’re interested in an MIS career, here are a few jobs to consider.  
UNI students Ryan and Trevor Pentico

UNI students win Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Student Venture Competition, advance to final round

UNI students Ryan and Trevor Pentico

Three student-owned businesses at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) won the regional Pappajohn Student Venture Competition and will advance to a final pitch with the hope of earning seed money. 

Robotic Arm

UNI, national partners launch major Industry 4.0 technology initiative

Robotic Arm

A new partnership between the University of Northern Iowa, Youngstown State University and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining will leverage $10 million in first-year funding to increase the number of small-to-midsize enterprises using advanced technologies, bolster critical areas of the defense manufacturing supply chain and create jobs.

Leah Stoger cheerleading

Leah Stoeger came to the United States to attend UNI – and she stayed

Leah Stoeger (Business Administration, ’23) has claim to a pretty cool milestone. The first time she visited the United States was to attend the College of Business as part of an exchange program. She liked it so much, she decided to stay as a full-time student, now in her second semester in Cedar Falls.
Family Business Conference

UNI Family Business Center receives support from Iowa Board of Regents, offers suite of services to family-owned businesses

Family Business Conference

The Iowa Board of Regents has awarded center status to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Family Business Center (FBC). For nearly four years, the FBC has offered a suite of services  specialized to family-owned businesses in Iowa.

John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Venture Competition

Applications open for annual John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition

John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Venture Competition

The 2022 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition application portal is now open. The17th annual statewide competition will award $100,000 in cash prizes to Iowa startups and entrepreneurial ventures.