History and Traditions
True to Our Roots
At the University of Northern Iowa, our history isn’t just something we remember — it’s something we live. From our earliest days, UNI has been a place of service, education and impact.
Before UNI even became a university, our campus had a mission. In 1866, the state of Iowa established an orphanage here to care for children affected by the Civil War. As the need for the orphanage declined, Black Hawk County leaders saw an opportunity to transform the space into a place of learning. In 1876, the Iowa State Normal School opened its doors, welcoming its first class on Sept. 6.
Over the years, UNI has gone by many names: the Iowa State Normal School, the Iowa State Teachers College, the State College of Iowa and, finally, the University of Northern Iowa. But through every chapter of our history, our commitment has remained the same.
At UNI, students come first. We believe in making high-quality education accessible and ensuring that learning goes beyond the classroom. Hands-on experiences, service-learning and real-world applications have always been at the heart of what we do. And with alumni making an impact in every corner of Iowa and beyond, UNI’s legacy continues to grow.
From our proud past to our bold future, UNI is a place where tradition and transformation go hand in hand.
Historical Information
We encourage you to learn more about UNI. Take a look at our enrollment data, check out our annual budget or enjoy a walk back in time through our collection of historical photos.
