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March 14, 2006
By Any Other Name
The University of Northern Iowa has an unacceptable name. Why do we have a compass direction in our title? The University of Iowa is further east than the other Regent schools, but it's not called the University of Eastern Iowa. We aren't even that far north. If we want equal status with the other schools then we shouldn't be treated like the illegitimate step-sister.
Here's my idea. Let's rename ourselves Iowa University. There's an Iowa State University and there's a University of Iowa. Let them keep their names. I guess Iowa State wants to make sure that you think of them as a university representing the whole state rather than just Iowa County Wisconsin or, God help us, Iowa City. And the University of Iowa is obviously convinced that having a preposition in their name is somehow critical. So fine, no problem; we'll go with Iowa University. Short, sweet, and to the point.
Don't freak out. Remember our University has already changed its name several times. It started in 1876 as the Normal School. In 1909 it changed its name to the Iowa State Teachers College. In 1961 it became the State College of Iowa. It was renamed the University of Northern Iowa in 1967. I think 40 years is long enough. It's time for an improvement. I'm tired of being the school that sounds like "you and I." Are you with me? Go IU!
Posted by fstone at March 14, 2006 8:12 PM
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