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Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa University
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Upper Iowa University (UIU) is a private university in Fayette, Iowa, United States. It enrolls around 3,000 students and offers distance education programs that include centers in the U.S., an online program, an independent study program, and formerly had centers in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

Key Information

Upper Iowa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs with 29 undergraduate majors, including art, business, conservation management, education, human services, information technology, liberal arts, math, nursing, psychology, science, and 6 graduate programs.[4] It operates on two eight-week terms per semester, allowing students to take two classes per term. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

UIU is the only NCAA Division II Athletics Program in the state of Iowa and a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).

History

[edit]
Alexander-Dickman Hall, built in 1855, is the oldest building on the Fayette Campus and constructed of native limestone.

In 1854, Elizabeth Alexander, a pioneer living near what is now Fayette, Iowa, proposed the idea of a college to her husband, Robert, who donated $10,000 toward the cause. Their son-in-law, Samuel Robertson, donated $5,000 and 10 acres (40,000 m2) of land. In 1856, the first Board of Trustees meeting was held; articles of Incorporation were adopted; and classes began January 7, 1857.[clarification needed] The university was affiliated with the Methodist Church until 1928.

In 1861, a company of male students and faculty members enlisted in the Army to fight in the American Civil War. Student-soldiers participated in 17 major battles, carrying a flag hand-sewn by UIU women students. In 1917, UIU male students joined the armed forces during World War I, while women students organized American Red Cross classes on campus; the UIU gym became a barracks, and the athletic field was the scene of military drills. By 1920, a systematic program of extension work throughout northeast Iowa had begun, with Upper Iowa referred to as "a pioneer in the field."[5] Those students who joined the service to fight in World War II took advantage of the G.I. Bill to complete their education, which dramatically increased Upper Iowa enrollment between 1947 and 1950. Record enrollments were also seen after the Vietnam War (1952–1970).[6]

In 1972, Upper Iowa launched an external degree program that included Independent Study and Online Programs. In 1978, Darcy C. Coyle was named president, a post in which he served until 1984, when he became President Emeritus.

In 1984 to present, UIU expanded to open locations across the U.S. Upper Iowa was approved by the Higher Learning Commission to offer graduate degrees in 1995, and in 1999 started its International Program by establishing centers in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

The Andres Center for Business and Education was built in 2004

It was also during 1994 to 2003 that UIU underwent an aggressive landscaping and building renovation that brought changes to its Fayette campus. This included the construction of Lee Tower Residence Halls, the acquisition of a new physical plant building and the construction of a recreation center. In 2004, the new Andres Center for Business and Education was built, and Alan G. Walker was appointed the 20th president of the university. During summer 2009, the largest capital improvement project broke ground on the Fayette campus — $75 million — which will include a new student center, suite-style housing, and a Liberal Arts academic building.[7]

In May 2023, in response to a worsening financial situation, the university cut its academic programs in sociology, information systems, information technology, intensive English and sports administration, several of its sports programs and two of its satellite campuses.[8] The university's accreditor issued a public disclosure notice to warn the public about the university's financial distress.[9]

UIU Campus and town of Fayette

[edit]

Upper Iowa's traditional 100-acre (0.40 km2) residential campus is in Fayette, Iowa; a small town of 1,200 residents in the county of the same name, in far northeast Iowa. In 1984, the former Fayette Community School District merged with the larger North Fayette County Community Schools, headquartered in the nearby county seat town of West Union. In 2018, North Fayette itself merged with the Valley Community School District, to form the North Fayette Valley Community Schools, leaving Fayette with neither an elementary nor a secondary school. Consequently, Fayette is one of the few communities in the nation with a university but no public school within its boundaries.[10]

The Fayette campus is primarily for undergraduate students, but a master's degree in education is also offered, along with two-week IXEL classes in the summer. Students can choose from 40 majors, with the most popular being Elementary Education and Teaching, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, and Natural Resources/Conservation. The Pleggenkuhle Prairie, donated by the Pleggenkuhle family to UIU, is 3 acres (12,000 m2) of virgin prairie northwest of Hawkeye. It is used as a teaching tool for students to learn about the prairie ecosystem and to conduct prescribed burns and research projects at the site.

Academics

[edit]

Upper Iowa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It has a chapter of the Alpha Chi honor society.[11]

Distance education

[edit]

Upper Iowa Distance Education includes 15 center locations across the U.S. in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana and Wisconsin, an Independent Study program, as well as an Online Program recognized by GetEducated.com Best Buy Rankings since 2007 and the Online Education Database (OEDb) Online College Rankings since 2007.

UIU Center locations offer the flexibility of evening and weekend classes with a classroom experience. Independent Study and Online programs offer education "anywhere, anytime." Over 40 undergraduate courses and graduate degrees (MPA, MBA, MHEA) are offered, with the option of mixing classroom and online courses.

International program

[edit]

Upper Iowa University has two international education centers located in the Pacific Rim. UIU offers undergraduate programs in business, communication and psychology to learners in Hong Kong and Malaysia. Through on-site faculty, faculty exchange, and visiting lecturers, UIU offers a program with a high level of academic rigor and quality.

In addition, UIU also offers a full on-line Master of Business Administration program with global access for students, as well as study abroad opportunities.

Rankings

[edit]

Upper Iowa University was ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the category for 2017 Best Online Bachelor's Programs - 128th[12]

Athletics

[edit]
Main article: Upper Iowa Peacocks

Upper Iowa athletic teams are the Peacocks. The university is a member of the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) since the 2023–24 academic year. The Peacocks previously competed in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC; now currently known as the American Rivers Conference since the 2018–19 academic year) of the NCAA Division III ranks from 1922–23 to 2002–03, and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) from 2006–07 to 2022–23. Their colors are blue and white.

Upper Iowa competes in 22 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports began baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, football, golf, soccer, track & field and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field and volleyball; and co-ed sports include cheerleading, dance, eSports, spirit squad and shotgun sports.

Notable alumni

[edit]
The statue of Colonel David B. Henderson stands in front of the Upper Iowa University library. Andrew Carnegie donated US$25,000 to the university to honor his friend

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Upper Iowa University

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from Grokipedia
Upper Iowa University is a private, nonprofit university founded in 1857 in Fayette, , offering associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs to approximately 5,500 students annually through its residential main campus, 11 regional centers across the , and extensive online and distance learning options. Established initially as Fayette Seminary by pioneer Elizabeth Alexander, with financial support from her husband Robert Alexander and local donors, the institution was renamed Upper Iowa University in 1858 and quickly became a hub for higher education in the rural Midwest, emphasizing accessible learning for diverse populations including women and early minority students. By 1875, it admitted Susan Angeline Collins as its first African-American student, and in 1902, philanthropist funded the construction of its library, marking significant growth in infrastructure. The university separated from Methodist Church oversight in 1928, becoming fully independent, and pioneered one of the nation's first external degree programs in 1973 to serve non-traditional learners. Today, Upper Iowa University provides over 80 academic programs, including 4 associate degrees, 40 bachelor's degrees, and 6 master's degrees, with recent additions in fields like , cybersecurity, and to address evolving workforce needs. Accredited by the since its regional recognition, the university maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1 and boasts a 94% or rate for graduates within 12 months, supported by initiatives like the Peacock Promise for free tuition to qualifying students and military family grants. Its flexible delivery model, including self-paced online courses, caters to working adults, , and international students, fostering and as outlined in its mission.

History

Founding and early development

Upper Iowa University traces its origins to 1854, when Elizabeth Alexander, a pioneer settler in the Fayette area of northeast , proposed the establishment of a local college to serve the educational needs of rural communities in the newly admitted state. Her husband, Robert Alexander, contributed $10,000 to the effort, while Samuel Robertson added $5,000 and 10 acres of land, enabling the project's launch. Construction of the initial building, Alexander-Dickman Hall, began in 1855, and the first Board of Trustees meeting occurred in 1856, adopting articles of incorporation for what would initially be known as Fayette Seminary. The opened as a Methodist-affiliated on January 7, 1857, marking it as one of the earliest higher education ventures in rural , where access to advanced learning was limited. It quickly adapted to its role amid the challenges of the era, including financial strains from reliance on private donations and the disruptions of the Civil War. In 1861, numerous male students and faculty, including future U.S. Congressman , enlisted in the Union Army, temporarily stalling growth but underscoring the university's ties to national events. The first baccalaureate commencement took place on June 26, 1862, and by 1865, the institution had awarded degrees to its first female graduates, reflecting early commitments to coeducation in a region dominated by agricultural and frontier life. On July 15, 1858, the name was changed to Upper Iowa University, signifying its ambition to become a full-fledged degree-granting . Throughout the late 19th century, Upper Iowa University solidified its position as a vital educational hub in rural , admitting Susan Angeline Collins, its first African-American student, in 1875—a pioneering step in inclusivity for the time. The university maintained its Methodist affiliation until 1928, when it transitioned to independent status, allowing broader academic focus. Infrastructure developments included campus electrification in 1895 and, most notably, the 1900 construction of the David B. Henderson Library, funded by a $25,000 donation from philanthropist in honor of his friend and the university's alumnus. These early milestones, achieved despite ongoing financial hurdles and regional isolation, laid the foundation for the institution's enduring presence in Iowa's educational landscape.

Expansion and recent milestones

In the mid-20th century, Upper Iowa University began expanding its reach beyond traditional on-campus education. In 1973, the university launched an external degree program, one of the first and most successful such initiatives in the United States, allowing students to complete degrees through and off-campus options. This program marked a pivotal shift toward flexible learning formats, quadrupling enrollments over the subsequent decades as the established learning centers across the U.S. and internationally. The university marked a significant historical milestone in 2007 with celebrations for its 150th anniversary, highlighting its evolution from a Methodist to a comprehensive . This event underscored UIU's enduring commitment to accessible . Growth continued through , as in 2011, when the university received a $7.5 million to renovate its football complex and a $4 million commitment toward the "Transforming UIU" capital campaign for broader campus improvements. Advancements in 2016 included securing a $650,000 S-STEM grant from the to enhance STEM education opportunities for low-income students. By 2017, UIU introduced a new brand identity, updating its logos and visual elements to reflect modern values, alongside the adoption of the "Destination 2022" strategic plan, which focused on academic excellence, innovation, and . Expansion in facilities and partnerships followed in 2018. The Peacock Arts and Athletic Center (PAAC) opened that year, transforming a former manufacturing site into a state-of-the-art venue for arts programs and athletic training, including spaces for fine arts, golf, baseball, and softball. Concurrently, UIU signed a Letter of Understanding with Northeast Iowa Community College to establish the Bridge to Success Program, enabling first-year students not meeting UIU's entrance requirements to begin at NICC and transition seamlessly upon achieving academic benchmarks. In 2019, the university reorganized its academic structure, consolidating the School of Business, School of Liberal Arts, , and Andres School of Education into three schools: the School of Professional and Workforce Development, the , and the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This restructuring aimed to streamline operations and align programs with workforce needs. The same year saw the addition of new athletic programs, including reinstatement of men's cross country, indoor and outdoor for the 2019-20 season, and the launch of men's and women's teams. Challenges emerged in 2023 amid declining enrollment and demographic shifts, prompting financial restructuring. In mid-May 2023, UIU announced cuts to 37 positions and the closure of seven regional education centers. Later that month, the university declared financial exigency, resulting in the elimination of 13 faculty positions, two deans, and three support staff roles. These measures addressed revenue shortfalls and ensured long-term sustainability. By 2025, UIU demonstrated recovery and forward momentum. The university announced its March and May graduates, conferring degrees and honors on numerous students across programs. Ongoing strategic initiatives included the launch of "IMPACT 2028" on July 1, 2025, a new plan emphasizing innovation, excellence, and adaptation to higher education trends, building on prior efforts like "Reimagine UIU." Additionally, UIU introduced five new degree programs in cybersecurity, , and to align with workforce demands.

Campuses and locations

Fayette main campus

The Fayette main campus of Upper Iowa University is a rural, residential site spanning 141 acres in the small town of Fayette, , serving as the institution's original location since its founding in 1857. Situated in northeastern amid rolling hills and farmland, the campus provides a close-knit environment that emphasizes traditional , with students residing in on-campus housing and participating in community-oriented activities. Key facilities on the campus include the Henderson-Wilder Library, completed in 1902 with a $25,000 donation from and named in honor of alumnus , the first Speaker of the U.S. House from ; it houses over 94,000 volumes and supports academic programs across three floors. The Dorman Memorial Gymnasium, opened in 1963 and named for legendary coach William "Sparky" Dorman, serves as the primary venue for athletics, hosting men's and women's , , and wrestling competitions. For environmental research and education, the 3-acre Pleggenkuhle , a preserved remnant of virgin located northwest of nearby Hawkeye, , and donated by the Pleggenkuhle family, functions as an outdoor laboratory for , , and prescribed burn studies. The campus architecture blends historic and modern elements, with notable structures like Alexander-Dickman Hall, constructed in 1855 from native limestone blocks and originally housing classrooms and administrative offices, reflecting the institution's pioneer-era roots. A prominent feature is the statue of Colonel , a Civil War veteran and UIU alumnus, replicated in the early 1990s and positioned in the of the Henderson-Wilder to commemorate his legacy. The campus also incorporates contemporary designs, such as the Peacock Arts and Athletics Center, and features a sculpture tour with 13 original outdoor works selected to enhance the aesthetic and educational landscape. Integrated closely with the town of Fayette, which has a of approximately 1,193 residents as projected for , the fosters strong ties through shared rural resources and events, though the university operates independently as a private institution in this agricultural region. Fayette's modest size contributes to a supportive, low-density environment that prioritizes interpersonal connections over urban amenities. As of fall 2024, the Fayette campus enrolls 503 undergraduate students and 36 graduate students, representing the core of UIU's traditional, on-campus population within the university's broader network of over 5,500 learners across various delivery modes. This figure underscores the campus's role in providing immersive, residential experiences for a subset of the institution's approximately 3,000 traditional undergraduates.

U.S. education centers and online delivery

Upper Iowa University maintains 11 regional education centers across the , primarily in states such as (Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, , Waterloo), (Alexandria, Baton Rouge, DeRidder, Fort Polk, New Orleans), (Fort Riley), and (Fort Sill), providing in-person and hybrid class options tailored for working adults and local communities. These centers deliver undergraduate and graduate programs through evening and weekend schedules to accommodate non-traditional students. Following 2023 closures of underperforming sites in and amid enrollment shifts, the remaining centers emphasize accessibility and support services, including academic advising and career resources, to serve military personnel and professionals near military bases and urban areas. Complementing these physical sites, Upper Iowa University's programs offer flexible, self-paced courses delivered through its , enabling students to complete degrees without on-campus attendance. These programs, which include over 80 associate, , and master's options in fields like , and healthcare, cater to more than 5,500 total enrollees annually, with fall 2024 online undergraduate enrollment of 424 and over 2,000 in formats comprising adult learners, military members, and veterans seeking convenient pathways. The platform supports with dedicated faculty interaction, and enrollment in and distance formats has shown steady growth, increasing by over 30% since 2015, reflecting the university's commitment to accessible higher education. In addition to structured online courses, Upper Iowa University provides options through self-paced web-based and paper-based formats, allowing students to progress at their own rhythm using digital tools or mailed materials, with proctored exams where required. These options, part of the university's long-standing tradition, do not necessitate formal admission for initial enrollment and are ideal for highly motivated learners balancing work or military duties. To facilitate access, the university's credit transfer policies permit up to 90 semester credits from accredited four-year institutions and up to 78 credits from two-year colleges, provided courses earn a C- or better and align with degree requirements. The foundation for these domestic extensions traces back to 1973, when Upper Iowa University pioneered one of the nation's earliest external degree programs, initially focused on independent study to reach off-campus learners, particularly returning veterans and working professionals. This initiative has evolved to prioritize and support, with tailored benefits like tuition assistance partnerships and flexible scheduling. As of 2025, post-2023 operational adjustments that streamlined physical centers, the university continues to expand online enrollment under its IMPACT 2028 strategic plan, emphasizing digital innovation and student retention to drive sustainable growth in distance learning.

International programs and sites

Upper Iowa University maintains international education centers in and , established as part of its post-1999 global expansion to deliver American degrees through in-person classes. The center, operational since the late 1990s, offers undergraduate and graduate programs in and , enabling local students to earn UIU credentials while participating in exchange opportunities to the Fayette campus. In , UIU partners with SEGi University to operate five centers in , , , , and , where students pursue degrees in (with emphases in marketing, management, human resources, and ), communications, and through a blend of on-site and hybrid instruction. The university also extends its graduate offerings internationally via fully online programs, including the (MBA) with specializations in , corporate , general management, and , accessible to students worldwide without location restrictions. These options build on UIU's domestic online platforms to provide flexible access for global learners, supporting career advancement in diverse regions. Other graduate degrees, such as the and in Organizational Leadership, are similarly available online to international applicants meeting admission criteria. UIU supports study abroad opportunities for its students through faculty-led programs, exchange partnerships via the International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP), and affiliated options in various countries, allowing participants to earn credits toward their degrees while gaining intercultural experience. The university actively recruits and accommodates at its Fayette campus, comprising part of its total enrollment exceeding 5,000 undergraduates and graduates as of 2024, with representation from over 30 countries including , the , and . International applicants receive visa support through issuance of Form I-20 for F-1 status upon demonstrating sufficient financial resources for one year of study, along with guidance on maintaining status via the . English proficiency is required, typically verified by TOEFL (minimum 61 iBT), IELTS (minimum 6.0), or (minimum 95) scores, with conditional admission available for those needing language improvement. Historically, UIU operated a center in launched in 1999 alongside its and Malaysian sites, but it has since ceased operations, with no active programs listed as of 2025. Following financial challenges and in 2023—which primarily affected U.S.-based regional centers—UIU has adapted its international by emphasizing sustainable delivery to maintain global outreach amid enrollment shifts, ensuring continued access for non-U.S. students without expanding physical footprints.

Academics

Programs and accreditation

Upper Iowa University offers a range of undergraduate programs, including associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and certificates across nearly 60 areas of study. These encompass 40 bachelor's majors in fields such as , and sciences, providing students with diverse options for career preparation and academic exploration. At the graduate level, the university provides six master's degree programs: , counseling, , healthcare administration, , and . These programs emphasize practical skills and professional development, available in flexible formats to accommodate working adults. In 2019, Upper Iowa University reorganized its academic structure into three schools to better align with student needs and program delivery: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Professional Studies, and the . This restructuring replaced the prior configuration of four separate schools, streamlining administration and enhancing interdisciplinary opportunities. The university has maintained accreditation from the since 1913, ensuring the quality and recognition of its degrees. Additional program-specific accreditations include candidacy status with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for business programs, full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for until 2033, and approval from the Iowa Board of Nursing and State Board of Education for relevant programs. Upper Iowa University supports student success through outcomes such as a 94% or continuing education rate for graduates within 12 months of completion, surpassing national averages. The institution also hosts an active chapter of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, recognizing top-performing students across disciplines. As of 2024, total enrollment exceeds 5,000 students across undergraduate and graduate levels in various modalities.

Distance and online education

Upper Iowa University initiated its distance education efforts in 1973 with the launch of the Self-Paced Degree Program, originally called the Coordinated Off-Campus Degree Program, designed to enable working adults to earn bachelor's degrees through flexible, . Over the subsequent decades, this initiative has grown to encompass a range of formats, including self-paced classes via web-based platforms, paper-based correspondence options, and hybrid models delivered at regional education centers, allowing students to complete coursework without fixed schedules. The program marked a pioneering approach to , serving as a foundation for UIU's broader non-traditional learning ecosystem. These distance and online offerings cater primarily to adult learners, military members, veterans, and transfer students who need adaptable pathways to fit education around careers, family, and service obligations. UIU provides targeted support for military audiences through participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps cover tuition costs beyond standard GI Bill benefits for eligible veterans pursuing distance degrees. Transfer students benefit from policies allowing up to 90 credits from prior institutions, streamlining paths to completion for those re-entering higher education. The university employs a comprehensive that grants 24/7 access to lectures, assignments, and resources, supporting across devices with reliable . Faculty deliver personalized guidance through one-on-one interactions, , and virtual office hours, complemented by dedicated advisors who assist with course selection, financial , and monitoring to promote retention and achievement. By 2025, and enrollment constitutes the majority of UIU's student body, exceeding 3,000 participants across self-paced, fully , and center-based hybrid formats, driven by a 30% increase in exclusively students over the past decade. Success in these programs is demonstrated by robust outcomes, including a 92.3% employment or continued education rate for bachelor's graduates within one year of completion, alongside nearly 3,500 from the self-paced track since 1973.

Rankings and awards

Upper Iowa University has received recognition in several national rankings, particularly for its regional standing and support for underserved student populations. In the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges, the university is ranked #145-160 among Regional Universities in the Midwest, reflecting its performance in areas such as graduation rates, faculty resources, and student selectivity. Additionally, UIU placed #65 in the Top Performers on category, which evaluates the success of institutions in educating economically disadvantaged students based on recipient graduation and debt metrics. The university's online programs have consistently earned high marks for accessibility and quality. U.S. News & World Report ranked UIU's online bachelor's programs among the top nationwide in 2023 and 2020, with a specific #190 (tie) out of 350 in the 2023 Best Online Bachelor's Programs list, emphasizing factors like student engagement and services. These programs were also listed among the best online bachelor's degrees for veterans in 2023, highlighting UIU's dedicated resources for military-affiliated students. UIU has been honored for its commitment to military students and spouses. It earned the Military Friendly® Top 10 Gold School designation for 2025-2026, marking the fourth consecutive year in this category for private universities not offering doctorates, based on recruitment, retention, and financial aid criteria. The university also received the Top 10 Gold Spouse School award for the same period. In 2021, Military Times ranked UIU #48 nationally and #8 in the Midwest among Best for Vets colleges, evaluating veteran support services and academic outcomes. Other specialized recognitions include UIU's online MBA in , ranked #25 nationally by Intelligent.com in 2021 for program quality, affordability, and alumni outcomes. In Iowa, Abound: Finish College named UIU among the top providers of adult online degree programs in 2021, focusing on completion rates and flexibility for nontraditional learners. As of the end of fiscal year 2023, the university's endowment stood at $20.4 million, supporting scholarships and institutional initiatives.

Athletics

Teams and conference affiliation

Upper Iowa University competes at the level as a full member of the (GLVC), which serves as its primary conference affiliation following its transition from the in the 2023–24 academic year. The university fields 16 varsity teams, encompassing a range of men's and that emphasize competitive excellence and student-athlete development. Men's varsity programs include football, wrestling, soccer, baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, and track and field, while women's teams feature volleyball, wrestling, soccer, basketball, softball, cross country, golf, and track and field. The teams compete under the mascot of the Peacocks, reflecting the university's identity and spirit. In recent years, Upper Iowa expanded its offerings by adding women's wrestling as a varsity sport, with the program commencing competition in the fall of 2024 to promote gender equity in athletics. The athletics department supports 445 student-athletes participating in these programs as of 2025, providing comprehensive academic services such as , progress monitoring, and advising to ensure balance between athletic and scholarly pursuits. Additionally, the annual PETEY Awards celebrate student-athlete accomplishments in academics, , and performance, fostering a culture of recognition and motivation within the Peacock community.

Facilities and notable achievements

Upper Iowa University's athletic facilities include the Peacock Arts and Athletic Center (PAAC), which opened in 2018 and serves as a hub for and programs with dedicated offices, locker rooms, a putting , and practice tees. The Dorman Memorial Gymnasium, the primary venue for men's and women's basketball, , and wrestling competitions, features a lobby displaying black marble plaques honoring Hall of Fame inductees. Baseball games are hosted at Robertson Woods Field, constructed in 1963, while the Eischeid Softball Complex, built in 1993, provides the home field for the team. The Upper Iowa University Athletics Hall of Fame, established in , has inducted more than 210 members to recognize outstanding contributions by athletes, coaches, and officials, with plaques in the Dorman Gymnasium lobby detailing each inductee's photo, name, year, and category. In athletics achievements, the achieved a historic ranking of No. 7 in the NCAA Super Region Three on November 10, 2025, marking a strong season with an 8-2 record. The university has secured multiple (GLVC) titles, particularly in wrestling, where the team shared the 2024 championship and entered 2025 as a reigning tri-champion. The 2025 PETEY Awards ceremony, held on April 28, celebrated student-athletes' academic and athletic accomplishments across programs. Historically, Upper Iowa transitioned to full membership in 2005 following a provisional period after leaving Division III, establishing it as Iowa's only program. The wrestling program has produced 207 national qualifiers, including two in 2025—Lawson Losee and Ethen Doty—who advanced to the after strong Super Region V performances.

Notable alumni

Notable alumni of Upper Iowa University include:
  • William F. Albright (B.A. 1912), American archaeologist and biblical scholar regarded as the father of biblical archaeology.
  • John R. Mott (attended 1881–1883), leader of the YMCA and World Student Christian Federation, recipient of the 1946 Nobel Peace Prize.
  • David B. Henderson (attended c. 1858–1861), Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1899 to 1903.
  • Dick Clark (B.A. 1953), United States Senator from Iowa from 1973 to 1979.
  • Raymond F. Chandler III (B.S. 1986), 14th Sergeant Major of the Army from 2011 to 2015.
  • Kim Reynolds (enrolled 2012), 43rd Governor of Iowa since 2017.

References

  1. https://uiu.edu/about/at-a-glance/
  2. https://uiu.edu/about/uiu-history/
  3. https://uiu.edu/about/accreditation/
  4. https://uiu.edu/experience/career-development/career-outcomes/
  5. https://uiu.edu/peacock-promise/
  6. https://uiu.edu/admissions/military-and-veterans-admissions/military-spouse-dependents/
  7. https://uiu.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p17238coll1/id/39
  8. https://carnegielibrariesiowa.org/library/upper-iowa-university/
  9. https://uiupeacocks.com/news/2011/5/26/FB_0526110659
  10. https://uiubridge.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/final_bridge2011-12.pdf
  11. https://uiupeacocks.com/news/2017/4/20/general-uiu-launches-new-brand-identity-and-logos.aspx
  12. https://uiu.edu/wp-content/uploads/6-26-17-StrategicPlan.pdf
  13. https://uiubridge.com/2018/08/23/uiu-and-nicc-open-bridge-to-success/
  14. https://northernsun.org/news/2018/8/20/upper-iowa-to-reinstate-mens-cross-country-indoor-and-outdoor-track-and-field-in-2019-20.aspx
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  16. https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/education/2023/05/25/upper-iowa-university-layoffs-professors-deans-as-usda-debt-looms-financial-exigency/70256765007/
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  20. https://uiubridge.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/UIU-Bridge-FINAL-Feb-2025.pdf
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  45. https://uiu.abroadoffice.net/types-of-programs.html
  46. https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/upper-iowa-university/student-life/diversity/
  47. https://uiu.edu/admissions/international-admissions/international-admitted-students/
  48. https://uiu.edu/admissions/international-admissions/international-how-to-apply/
  49. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2023/05/18/layoffs-and-closures-upper-iowa-university
  50. https://uiu.edu/academics/undergraduate/
  51. https://alphachihonor.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Institutions-in-Alpha-Chi.pdf
  52. https://uiu.edu/about/awards-rankings/
  53. https://uiu.edu/news-events/upper-iowa-university-earns-2025-2026-military-friendly-school-designation/
  54. https://uiu.edu/news-events/uiu-named-best-for-vets/
  55. https://datausa.io/profile/university/upper-iowa-university
  56. https://glvcsports.com/news/2022/11/29/general-glvc-admits-upper-iowa-university-as-full-time-member.aspx
  57. https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/uiu.sidearmsports.com/documents/2023/8/30/Student-Athlete_Handbook__23-24.pdf
  58. https://uiupeacocks.com/
  59. https://www.themat.com/news/features/2022/december/29/upper-iowa-adds-womens-wrestling
  60. https://uiu.edu/about/leadership/university-administration/
  61. https://uiupeacocks.com/news/2025/4/29/uiu-athletics-peacock-athletics-2025-petey-awards-in-review.aspx
  62. https://uiupeacocks.com/facilities/peacock-arts-athletic-center-paac-/17
  63. https://uiupeacocks.com/facilities/robertson-woods-field/6
  64. https://uiupeacocks.com/facilities/eischeid-softball-complex/13
  65. https://uiupeacocks.com/honors/upper-iowa-university-athletics-hall-of-fame
  66. https://uiupeacocks.com/news/2025/8/22/uiu-athletics-upper-iowa-to-induct-three-into-athletics-hall-of-fame.aspx
  67. https://uiupeacocks.com/news/2025/11/10/football-upper-iowa-moves-up-to-no-7-in-penultimate-regional-rankings.aspx
  68. https://uiupeacocks.com/news/2024/3/1/mens-wrestling-mens-wrestling-boasts-seven-all-glvc-honorees
  69. https://glvcsports.com/news/2025/2/7/championships-bracket-announced-for-2025-glvc-mens-wrestling-championship-tournament.aspx
  70. https://www.facebook.com/p/Upper-Iowa-Wrestling-100057501548002/
  71. https://uiupeacocks.com/news/2025/3/1/mens-wrestling-losee-doty-qualify-for-ncaa-dii-wrestling-championships.aspx
  72. https://bibleinterp.arizona.edu/articles/albright5
  73. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1946/mott/biographical/
  74. https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1851-1900/hh_1899_12_4_Henderson_David/
  75. https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/C000448
  76. https://www.ausa.org/people/sgt-maj-army-raymond-f-chandler-iii
  77. https://governor.iowa.gov/meet-governor-kim-reynolds
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