Feb 01, 2017

Welcome to the University of Northern Iowa!

I am honored to serve UNI students, faculty and staff as the 11th president of this great university. As I learn more about the campus community, I will also work toward ensuring that each student reaches his or her educational, professional and personal life goals.

I have quickly come to realize why UNI is the "right fit" for so many students. UNI is the best of both worlds – a large university environment with a small college atmosphere – where students can really stand out and excel. We are nationally recognized for our high educational standards, and students are provided with a variety of opportunities to live and learn together.

There are so many reasons UNI is the "right fit" for our students:

  • As a teaching-focused school, our great UNI faculty put students first. They bring their experience and expertise into the classroom and supplement their courses with knowledge gained through intensive research and discovery as well as service and engagement.

  • Undergraduate students can enhance their knowledge and skills through student-faculty research beginning their very first year at UNI.

  • UNI is the most affordable public university in the state. We continue to offer a quality education that's accessible and affordable. Our loan indebtedness has decreased by 13 percent over the past six years.

  • We offer Living Learning Communities in each of our 10 residence halls. Students are surrounded by other students who share their interests, whether academic or non-academic.

  • Our College of Education is the largest of Iowa's 32 teacher education programs. More than 450 new teachers graduate from UNI each year.

  • Students, faculty and staff have access to one of America's best college dining services, outstanding health and wellness services, a performing arts complex, venues for playing and watching sports, and much more.

I am excited to be a part of the Panther family! Please explore the UNI website to learn more about us. We'd love to have you stop by for a visit where a warm Panther welcome awaits you.

Sincerely,

Mark A. Nook
UNI President