Welcome from UNI President Bill Ruud

Dear UNI Faculty, Staff and Students,

I am humbled and honored to be a member of this great university community and the UNI family! I was so impressed with the faculty, staff and students when I interviewed last January that I'm anxious to continue meeting as many individuals at UNI as possible this summer as we embark on this journey together. I will listen and learn as I meet with colleges and divisions, staff and student groups, numerous alumni, and many leaders in the Cedar Valley and throughout Iowa.

UNI is the comprehensive university in Iowa, and as your 10th president, I will vigorously communicate our unique story. We offer students all the amenities of a large university in a personalized setting, and we are proud of the rigor, integrity and quality of our academic programs. The strength and vitality UNI enjoys is due in no small part to the many important contributions by each of you. Our students and the university benefit greatly from your dedication and professionalism.

I look forward to building relationships, collaborating with faculty, staff and students, and engaging in rigorous academic discussion. We must continue our steadfast mission of providing transformative learning experiences that inspire students to embrace challenge, engage in critical inquiry and creative thought, and contribute to society. We must continue to be vigilant about recruiting and retaining the finest faculty, the best students, and a quality staff; embracing individuals of all backgrounds and experiences so they may further enrich the fabric of this great university.

UNI has a remarkable and academically rich university community, and I am pleased to be your advocate. The intellectual vigor on campus is engaging, and I appreciate the viewpoints and contributions of others. I encourage each of you to broaden your capacity for knowledge and exploration. We are a student-centered learning organization, and we need to leverage our strengths, be more nimble and innovative, and seek to embrace future opportunities.

I wish each of you continued success in your learning, discovery and engagement. Your contributions are vital to the university's success.

Purple for life!

Bill Ruud
President