Faculty Stories & News

People planting trees

PROJECT HERE challenges students to embrace their region

This fall, UNI is embarking on a community outreach initiative stretching across departments and involving faculty, students and staff.
Dr. Hernández-Saca

School of Education professor’s research centered on social justice

Dr. David Hernández-Saca moved to the U.S. from El Salvador when he was two years old to escape El Salvador’s Civil War. His family moved around Arizona and Southern California for a couple years, which Hernandez-Saca does not remember well because he suffered from seizures and compulsions and was frequently hospitalized. By fourth grade, while living in the California Bay Area, his seizures had slowed down and he stopped taking the anti-seizure medicine, which he said allowed him “to be aware and cognizant and build relationships and be more communicative.” This journey of immigration.

Dr. Forsyth teaching students.

Education professor’s research on interdisciplinarity impacts his teaching and inspires students

Dr. Benjamin Forsyth’s background experiences are somewhat unconventional for a professor of education at a mid-size Iowa university: after growing up on the east coast, he played football at an Indiana college, had a two-year stint living in the Netherlands, finished his physics degree at Brigham-Young University in Idaho, spent two years teaching high school physics, and then studied educational psychology in the Midwest. 

Dr. Olivares presenting Dr. Hockey with is award

Professor of astronomy wins Distinguished Scholar Award

On April 27th, 2023, the Graduate College awarded Dr. Thomas Hockey with the Distinguished Scholar Award at the Annual Graduate Faculty Meeting & Awards Ceremony. Hockey is a professor of astronomy at UNI and has produced an impressive oeuvre of scholarship. 

Danny Galyen conducting

UNI School of Music faculty elected to American Bandmasters Association

University of Northern Iowa School of Music faculty artist Danny Galyen has been elected to the prestigious American Bandmasters Association (ABA). 
UNI professor to give public talk on religion and the CIA

UNI professor to give public talk on religion and the CIA

UNI professor to give public talk on religion and the CIAUniversity of Northern Iowa Assistant Professor of Religion, Michael Graziano, will explore how American religion has shaped the work of intelligence agencies like the CIA at 4 p.m. on April 12 in Sabin Hall 2.

James McCullagh

Beloved professor James McCullagh leaves $1.1 million legacy gift to student scholarships

A $1.1 million legacy gift by the late professor of social work, James McCullagh, will provide financial support for UNI students pursuing social work.
Huishan Wan holding pickleball trophy

Life lessons from pickleball champ and UNI professor Huishan Wan

Huishan Wan is not only an associate professor of accounting - he's also the Iowa Games Pickleball Men's Singles champion for his age group.
Headshots of Mattingly and Olsen

UNI College of Business faculty honored with prestigious state and university awards

Two UNI College of Business faculty members were honored this academic year, recognizing their outstanding professional contributions during their careers.
Professor working outside on laptop

Four UNI faculty advance research following Intellectual Property and Innovation Disclosure Competition

Four innovative ideas by University of Northern Iowa faculty won a cash prize and university support to move forward with their research.