University of Northern Iowa - History

History

The University of Northern Iowa was founded as a result of two influential forces of the nineteenth century. First, Iowa wanted to care for orphans of its Civil War veterans, and secondly, Iowa needed a public teacher training institution. In 1876, when Iowa no longer needed an orphan home, legislators Edward G. Miller and H. C. Hemenway started the Iowa State Normal School.

The school's first building opened in 1869 and was known as Central Hall. The building contained classrooms, common areas, and a living facility for most of the students. It was also a home to the college's first principal, James Cleland Gilchrist. The building was the heart and soul of the school, allowing students to study courses of two-year, three-year, and four-year degrees. In 1965, a fire destroyed Central Hall, and school faculty and Cedar Falls citizens donated over $5000 to start building Gilchrist Hall.

The school has been known under the following names:

• Iowa State Normal School, 1876–1909
• Iowa State Teachers College, 1909–1961
• State College of Iowa, 1961–1967
• University of Northern Iowa, 1967–present

Student newspapers:

• Students Offering, 1888–1889
• Normal Eye, 1892–1911
• College Eye, 1911–1967
• Northern Iowan, 1967– present