Office of the President
Kathy Franken
Kathy Franken was named UIU’s 22nd President in October 2023. Kathy led UIU as Interim President and Chief Financial Officer since May 2023, and brought demonstrated experience working effectively across various departments at Upper Iowa University. Kathy’s tenure at UIU started in the Waterloo Center in 2008, beginning as an academic advisor to adult learners before assuming the Waterloo Center Director position. Kathy was named Vice President in 2015, leading distance education recruitment and operations. Before serving as Interim President, Kathy was Vice President for Finance and Enrollment Management, overseeing the university finances, Business Office Services, Facilities Management, Information Technology, Enrollment Management and Services, and Auxiliary Services.
Kathy Franken
President
Franken earned her B.A. degree from Wartburg College and her Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Upper Iowa University. Franken has over 25 years of experience in higher education. Franken and her husband, Chuck, have three children Stacey, Chris and Jordan and five grandchildren Payton, William, Charlie, Kennedy, and Lane. Kathy and Chuck reside in Fayette.
Holly Wolff
Executive Assistant to the President and Assistant Secretary of the Board of Trustees
Holly Wolff has been with Upper Iowa University since 2005. Ms. Wolff began her time at UIU in Facilities Management and Events Management before transitioning to the Office of the President in 2012. Ms. Wolff’s responsibilities include the day-to-day management and scheduling of the President’s Office, and assisting with the management and coordination of the Board of Trustees. Ms. Wolff is actively involved in University Strategic Planning and the Facilities Planning Committee.
Ms. Wolff graduated cum laude from Upper Iowa University with a B.A. in Communications and is currently enrolled in UIU’s Master of Business Program. As the recipient of the Erma K. Ledgerwood Scholarship in 2008, Holly has been paying it forward as an active member of Team Peacock since 2006, riding RAGBRAI to raise money for University initiatives and student scholarships. She and her husband, Tim, have three children, Ashten, Katie and Carson.
