Leaving UNI with mixed emotions

Dear UNI Family,

Nearly three years ago, I was honored and humbled to be offered the opportunity to become the 10th president of the University of Northern Iowa. Those three years have held many challenges but have passed in the blink of an eye, thanks primarily to all of you and the successes we have achieved together.

As a team we have stopped the freefall of our enrollment numbers and have seen three consecutive years of growth. As a team we have faced extremely difficult funding scenarios, increased our state appropriations, have persevered and will begin next fiscal year with a balanced budget for the first time in many years. As a team we have reduced student debt significantly. As a team we have raised over $50,000,000 for our UNI Foundation. As a team we have successfully begun transformations of the Schindler Education Center and Lawther Hall, while completing the transitions of Baker and Bartlett Halls. As a team we have continued to make UNI a great university. 

I'm proud of all of you, your contributions and our achievements.

As we look to the future, it is important to remember that the only constant in our lives is change. Therefore, it is with mixed emotions that I inform you that Judy and my time with you is coming to an end. On July 3, 2016, I will become the president of Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio.

Our time in Cedar Falls has been a blessing. The relationships that have been made will last forever. Please keep pushing forward, building on the positive momentum we have constructed during our time together. As we move toward our 150th anniversary in 2026, please keep making UNI what it is --- The University of Nothing Impossible.

Purple for life!

Bill Ruud