UIU to open center in Cedar Rapids
FAYETTE, IOWA (August 13, 2007) – Upper Iowa University (UIU) will soon expand to Cedar Rapids by opening a new center at 700 Bell Drive. The hiring process for both faculty and staff has already begun, with classes planned to begin January 1, 2008.
It was at the invitation of former mayor, Paul D. Pate, that Upper Iowa University first considered expanding into Cedar Rapids. Following a number of meetings with local officials to discuss the feasibility of a UIU presence in Cedar Rapids, an extensive market research study was conducted. The results of that study indicated a strong potential for growth for an institution such as Upper Iowa University and the need to provide high-quality educational opportunities for both traditional students and working adults.
UIU has had longstanding relationships with Cedar Rapids over the years. Because of an ongoing articulation agreement with Kirkwood Community College, over the past five years approx. 150 students have transferred to Upper Iowa University to further their education and get a four-year degree. In addition, UIU has been working closely with Mary Lee Malmberg with the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau regarding Upper Iowa University hosting the 2008 Division II National Wrestling championships in Cedar Rapids, March 14-15.
Fashioned from limestone and brick, the new center is intended to resemble the buildings on Upper Iowa University’s traditional campus in Fayette. The 13,145 sq. ft. center will have seven classrooms, state-of-the-art-computer lab, student lounge, offices for faculty and staff and ample parking. With anticipated enrollment of over 300 students by the end of the third operating year, the center has also been designed to accommodate future expansion.
Majors that will be offered year one include accounting, business administration, management, marketing, human resource management, finance, human services, criminal justice, emergency/disaster management, psychology, health services administration, public administration and interdisciplinary studies. Elementary education and graduate-level programs will be added during the second year of operation.
“Our new facility will accommodate a wide variety of majors aimed at serving the greater Cedar Rapids area,” stated Tim Hunt, associate vice president for the extended university. “It will offer students of all ages an excellent opportunity to further their education.”
Upper Iowa University will also be opening a new center in Rockford, Illinois, with classes scheduled to begin March 1, 2008. Future expansion opportunities for Upper Iowa also include the Council Bluffs area.
For more information on Upper Iowa University-Cedar Rapids, please call 563-425-5394 or 563-425-5339.