University of Northern Iowa celebrates educator program success and community arts outreach

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is making waves in education and community engagement, as highlighted during the recent Iowa Board of Regents meeting. A standout feature of UNI is its educator preparation program, which serves nearly 2,500 students and produces 50% of Iowa's teachers. This impressive statistic underscores the program's critical role in shaping the state's educational landscape. UNI recently received reaffirmation of its accreditation through the 2030-2031 academic year, solidifying its status as the largest educator preparation program in Iowa.

In addition to its educational achievements, UNI has been recognized for its commitment to military-affiliated students, earning gold status as a military-friendly university for the sixth consecutive year. The institution provides extensive support for veterans and their families, including events focused on PTSD awareness and suicide prevention. Chiquita Loveless, assistant dean for military programming, has been acknowledged for her leadership in this area, recently selected to keynote significant conferences aimed at supporting veterans.

Moreover, UNI's interdisciplinary approach to education was showcased when a group of students won the District 9 National Student Advertising Competition. This diverse team, led by Professor Matthew Wilson, developed a campaign for AT&T aimed at engaging Generation Z, demonstrating the university's innovative spirit and collaborative environment.

Finally, UNI continues to enrich the community through its Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, which has reached over 800,000 youth in Iowa through its Kaleidoscope series. This initiative not only brings world-class performances to students but also extends its reach through online programming, ensuring that even those in rural areas can experience the arts.

These developments reflect UNI's dedication to education, community service, and support for military students, positioning it as a vital institution in Iowa's higher education landscape.