UNI 150 Stories & News

James Gilchrist

The first leader of the Iowa State Normal School in 1876.

David Sands Wright

When the Iowa State Normal School opened in 1876, David Sands Wright taught the first class ever at UNI, and continued to teach for more than 50 years.

James Hearst

An Iowa farmer turned acclaimed poet, “the Midwest’s Robert Frost” wove farm life into 600+ poems, taught at UNI for 34 years, and left a lasting legacy with the Hearst Center for the Arts.

Charles Grassley

The most senior member of the United States Senate started as a political science major at the Iowa State Teachers College.

Kurt Warner

A story shaped by perseverance and an unshakable belief in his own potential. From waiting on the sidelines to a Super Bowl win, Warner is one of football’s most inspiring success stories.

Irene Blum

Long before UNI was known for being “students first,” her connection with students made her a campus legend.

UNI celebrates “People You Should Know” as part of sesquicentennial celebration

As part of its sesquicentennial celebration, the University of Northern Iowa is launching “UNI 150: People You Should Know."

Bob Justis

“H-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-re come the Panthers!” was his iconic game-day line for five decades and over 900 football and men’s basketball games.

Frances Webster

Iowa State Normal School’s first female instructor… inspiring students, implementing modern teaching and creating a space for students to thrive.

William Thrall

Bill Thrall spent over 30 years shaping UNI Athletics, building programs, hiring coaches and laying the foundation that propelled Panther sports to Division I success.