For more than 35 years, Gretta Berghammer has been a key figure in the UNI Department of Theatre, and a champion for inclusive, accessible theatre.
After a seven year stint as department head in the ‘90s, Gretta took an active role in leading the department's theatre and drama for youth initiative, where she continues her involvement to this day.
Take a look around campus and you’ll find a Latinx Panther who’s making an impact at every level from faculty to staff to students. This week we’d like to introduce you to Juan Carlos Castillo, a professor in the Department of Languages and Literature who recently appeared in this video celebrating Latinx Heritage Month.
Jerreme Jackson’s journey as a Black man becoming the first member of his family to earn a doctorate degree was fueled by determination and perseverance. Now at UNI, he’s passing on those lessons to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Winning accolades is nothing new for UNI assistant professor and professional flutist Hannah Porter-Occeña. The accomplished flutist recently won Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation’s 2021 international music competition, which means she will take her mission of musical education around the world.
A landmark program led by UNI professor Nicole Skaar could serve as a national model to help increase student access to mental health services, particularly in rural areas. Skaar, coordinator of UNI’s school psychology program, recently shared her insights at a virtual Congressional briefing.
Art professor Samantha Goss and art education senior Ryan Jones completed a mural along the West Des Moines bike paths that both celebrated Iowa’s native plants and provided a valuable experience for Jones to carry into his teaching career.