The following is a press release from UNI:
University of Northern Iowa President Mark Nook informed the campus community of his intent to retire at the conclusion of the 2026-27 academic year. Nook will serve the institution until his successor begins their tenure at UNI. He arrived in Cedar Falls as the university’s 11th president on February 1, 2017.
The Holstein, Iowa native announced his retirement plans following UNI’s Sesquicentennial Celebration that commemorated the institution’s 150 years of service to students, families and the state of Iowa. Thanks to the tireless efforts of so many individuals, the University of Northern Iowa is clearly on a very positive trajectory as it embarks on its next 150 years.
“For Cheryl and me, it is one of the greatest privileges of our lives to serve the people of Iowa and in particular the students, alumni, faculty and staff of the University of Northern Iowa,” said Nook. “Thank you to the Panther Family and the people of Iowa for the confidence you have placed in us.
“In many ways we feel like most of our soon-to-be UNI graduates as they enter their final semester. We are about to leave a place where we have built so many wonderful relationships, a place we love, a place – we call home. We truly appreciate the care and support the Panther Family has shown us and are proud to be a small part of the UNI legacy of helping our students, alumni, and colleagues enrich lives, communities and the world.”
During this fall’s homecoming festivities, UNI concluded its record-setting Our Tomorrow campaign, announcing that more than 34,000 donors committed over $342.8 million to expand opportunities for students, strengthen programs and build lasting support for UNI’s future.
Additionally, the University of Northern Iowa earned the distinction of being named the No. 1 public regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. That recognition coincided with the arrival of the largest freshman class on the UNI campus since 2017 and the university’s largest overall enrollment since 2020.
“The University of Northern Iowa and its talented people have served as invaluable resources for Iowans over the past 150 years,” said Robert Cramer, president of the Iowa Board of Regents. “Under President Nook’s leadership, the university developed an innovative partnership with Iowa’s community colleges that provides place-bound students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree from UNI from any of our 99 counties.
“Additionally, UNI’s academic offerings have evolved to meet Iowa’s workforce needs. The University of Northern Iowa is truly thriving. Our state is exceedingly grateful to President Nook and the UNI community for positively impacting so many Iowa families and communities.”
Katie Mulholland served on the Iowa Board of Regents from 2011-17 and co-chaired the 21-member presidential search committee that selected Nook to serve as UNI President in December 2016. A three-time University of Northern Iowa graduate, Mulholland recently co-chaired UNI’s Our Tomorrow campaign.
“The University of Northern Iowa has been extremely fortunate that President Nook has helped guide our institution through a transformative period over the past decade,” said Mulholland. “As UNI embarks on its next 150 years, the sense of optimism among our students, faculty and staff is truly focused on what the future brings. I can personally attest to the increased sense of affinity so many alumni hold for our alma mater, particularly after the Our Tomorrow campaign exceeded our own lofty goals.
“On behalf of Panthers everywhere, we are indebted to President Nook for helping make a special place even stronger during his tenure. We wish Mark and Cheryl all the best during their well-deserved retirement.”