Becoming acquainted with UNI

To the UNI family,

I am thrilled to be at UNI and have welcomed the opportunity to dive into various meetings and meet many great people on campus and in the state.

This past week I attended the signing of the Education Reform Bill with the governor at Des Moines North High School, completed orientation with the Board of Regents office staff, and participated in an Iowa Business Council meeting, which consisted of executives of the 20 largest businesses in Iowa, the three Regent university presidents and the president and CEO of Iowa’s largest banking association. I also had my first Board of Regents meeting at the University of Iowa, met with local John Deere Executives, met with the UNI Enrollment Council, and had various meetings with UNI staff and faculty.

Judy and I thoroughly enjoyed the alumni welcome event at the McLeod Center on June 6th. The turnout was great, and we look forward to meeting more UNI faculty, staff and students this week during the meet and greet at Gilchrist Hall. I hope you will stop by so we have a chance to meet you.

When time permits, Judy and I walk the campus in the evening, and we are trying out a few of the bike trails as we delve into our new community. We are grateful for the warm welcome we have received from everyone, and we look forward to listening and learning from each of you.

This week, I am looking forward to new-student orientation sessions, more meetings on campus and attending the College Hill Arts Festival.

Purple for life!

Bill Ruud