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It is by design that UNI has established itself as the premier undergraduate public comprehensive university in Iowa. A long-standing commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service has prompted independent reporting organizations to annually corroborate its standing as one of the best in the nation for quality and value.

For the past half century, highly personalized programs of graduate study have quietly, but purposefully, woven their way into UNI’s educational fabric. Less a part of the university’s public persona than its heralded undergraduate programs, UNI’s Graduate College is stepping out of its normally reserved character this academic year to take a well-deserved bow.

But the 50-year celebration is about much more than kudos for past achievements. It is helping to chart a course for graduate programs that enrich the culture of the university and, in doing so, enhance the experience of all students and faculty on campus.

In a recent address to graduate faculty members, President Robert Koob elaborated on the importance of graduate education at UNI, evidenced by the fact that graduate enrollment has grown from around 10 percent to 12.5 percent of total enrollment over the past decade.

One of many shining stars among UNI’s graduate programs, the “Ensemble Peterhoff” Quartet was started in 2002 by the UNI Graduate College, International Programs and the School of Music. Six graduate students (five from St. Petersburg, Russia and one from Cedar Falls, Iowa) have participated in the program. The quartet holds community outreach performances throughout Iowa, the United States and internationally. This year the students will perform recitals on the UNI campus, in San Jose, Costa Rica, and a national tour of the East Coast. The students are also members of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra.

“Knowledge has a way of accumulating, the more complex the world becomes,” Koob said. “We see an evolution within the university toward more and more graduate education. If we’re not prepared for it, then we haven’t prepared well for the future. It’s that simple.”

Kim MacLin, assistant professor of psychology and chair of the graduate council at UNI, said exposure to grad-level research is a tremendous boon to undergraduate education. MacLin is a strong proponent of giving undergraduates what she calls “a peek behind the curtain” at graduate-level research activities. Whether it comes through involvement in the classroom, as lab assistants or through participation in researchconferences, she said, “It absolutely enhances undergraduates’ educational experience.”

“It is the most intense form of the classroom,” MacLin said. “Students get to see what it’s like to be grad students because they’re working alongside them.”

Regardless of whether undergraduates go on to graduate study, MacLin said students gain “incredible skills,” having had a glimpse of the realities of a professional discipline. Those who do seek advanced degrees are even better prepared to compete against the best students in graduate programs around the country.

The interface of research and teaching at UNI is substantially different from typical research settings in which professors are primarily active in research while graduate assistants teach undergrad classes. Realizing a hope expressed in the Strayer Report of 1950, UNI’s approach to graduate education attracts top faculty that could be at research institutions but would rather combine their research interests with their aspirations in teaching.

“Research keeps faculty intellectually involved so that their teaching is enhanced,” MacLin said. “They’re more satisfied with their professional lives.”

Professor Sue Joslyn, chair of the UNI division of health promotion and education and the 2004 Outstanding Scholar Award winner, is a perfect example of the prevailing attitude. “When I was in my first year as a graduate faculty member, a graduate student asked me why would faculty ‘volunteer’ precious time to serve on graduate thesis committees if there is no recognition nor compensation for doing so. Without hesitation, I replied, ‘Because that’s the best part of my job.’ It may get stressful at times, but then I remember what my colleagues and I are able to do as graduate faculty members at UNI — explore creative ways to solve problems that affect people, generate new knowledge, and encourage and perhaps inspire the same in others. What a great job!”

Consequently, highly qualified candidates are finding the atmosphere at UNI desirable. Tom Keefe, head of the department of social work, said the addition of a master’s program three years ago has definitely helped with faculty recruiting in his department. “We can compete for top level faculty much better than before,” Keefe said.

Susan Koch, associate provost and interim dean of the graduate college, said “As we celebrate 50 years of graduate education at the University of Northern Iowa this year, we are recognizing the many contributions of our graduate faculty who have created and nurtured graduate education at UNI. We’re also acknowledging the more than 12,000 alumni of our graduate programs, who are now leaders and innovators in schools, businesses and communities across Iowa and beyond.

“More importantly, though, we are looking ahead to UNI’s next 50 years, planning strategically to continue growth in graduate programs that complement our undergraduate programs, enhance the intellectual life of the university and provide advanced career opportunities for our graduates.”