College of Business

Message from the Dean

‌"In a crowded market for business education, what sets the UNI Wilson College of Business apart is our total commitment to student success — and the innovative, ambitious ways we deliver on that commitment.

Our more than 2,000 motivated students come from communities across Iowa, the region and the world. Their achievements at UNI and beyond are nothing short of remarkable — in credentialing exams and case competitions, in community service and consulting, in job placement and career success.

Whatever their major or career path, our students graduate ready to thrive in their careers, contribute to their communities and achieve more than they had previously dreamed.

Today, the world needs their skills as never before — taking on the complex challenges of a globalized economy in diverse and dynamic work environments across the full range of industries and careers. Their path to leadership begins at UNI, and depends on our support. It’s time to invest in the next generation of student success.

LESLIE K. WILSON
DEAN, WILSON COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Leslie K. Wilson-Dean of the College of Business

Campaign Priorities

  • Keeping the College of Business affordable for the next generation of Panthers.
  • Growing UNI-ted Business Scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds, as well as first- generation students.
  • Increasing merit-based scholarships to help us attract students who raise the bar for achievement and strengthen the collaboration and dialogue for students in every program.






     
UNI college of business students with professor
  • Elevating our nationally recognized Professional Readiness Program® so every students graduates with credentials that sets them apart.
  • Growing International Experience Scholarships to increase the number of graduates with international experience.
  • Increasing Undergraduate Research Support to allow students to take on independent research projects.
  • Creating new Professional Distinction Awards to reduce the costs for students to gain essential professional credentials and apply their business knowledge in academic competitions and conferences.
  • Expanding student entrepreneur initiatives like the Early Founders Program, which supports student developed businesses.
UNI accounting student studying with laptop and paper homework
  • Endowing faculty positions that serve to recruit and retain exceptional faculty and elevate key programs, such as real estate, accounting, marketing and entrepreneurship, economics, finance, management information systems, business analytics and supply chain management.
  • Growing the Data & Technology for Business Intelligence Fund so that faculty can engage students with industry-standard analytics tools, datasets, software and business technologies.





     
UNI advertising and digital media students using VR headset
  • Keeping the College of Business affordable for the next generation of Panthers.
  • Growing UNI-ted Business Scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds, as well as first- generation students.
  • Increasing merit-based scholarships to help us attract students who raise the bar for achievement and strengthen the collaboration and dialogue for students in every program.






     
UNI college of business students with professor
  • Elevating our nationally recognized Professional Readiness Program® so every students graduates with credentials that sets them apart.
  • Growing International Experience Scholarships to increase the number of graduates with international experience.
  • Increasing Undergraduate Research Support to allow students to take on independent research projects.
  • Creating new Professional Distinction Awards to reduce the costs for students to gain essential professional credentials and apply their business knowledge in academic competitions and conferences.
  • Expanding student entrepreneur initiatives like the Early Founders Program, which supports student developed businesses.
UNI accounting student studying with laptop and paper homework
  • Endowing faculty positions that serve to recruit and retain exceptional faculty and elevate key programs, such as real estate, accounting, marketing and entrepreneurship, economics, finance, management information systems, business analytics and supply chain management.
  • Growing the Data & Technology for Business Intelligence Fund so that faculty can engage students with industry-standard analytics tools, datasets, software and business technologies.





     
UNI advertising and digital media students using VR headset

Dean's Fund for Excellence

  • Providing agile support for emerging opportunities and immediate needs across the college.
  • Supporting students in studying abroad, earning professional credentials and engaging in high-impact learning experiences.
  • Giving our faculty access to databases, information resources and professional development activities.
  • Connecting with alumni through events.
  • Building relationships with international and community partners.

Hear from UNI faculty and students

Mariana Calderon Quiroz and friend

‌BUILDING GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

"Through my Global Marketing major, I completed an internship with the Organization of Women in International Trade — but due to the pandemic, all of my work with them was virtual. When they announced their annual conference, I knew I wanted to find a way to attend in person. My faculty advisor, Dr. Christine Schrage, helped me apply for funding that allowed me to attend, meet all the executives I had been working with and build my network for the future."

MARIANA CALDERON QUIROZ '22
GLOBAL MARKETING MAJOR
TRANSAMERICA PROFESSIONAL DISTINCTION ACCESS FUND AWARD RECIPIENT

 

‌"PREPARING STUDENTS FOR BIG CAREERS."

“UNI has won the Deloitte tax competition three out of the past four years, beating regional colleges and universities in challenges where they must demonstrate their knowledge of business and accounting. I’m proud of these students and their professors as this shows how UNI is preparing students for big careers and putting them in a place where they can respond to these types of situations."

CATHALENE BOWLER
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ACCOUNTING
FACULTY ADVISOR FOR DELOITTE FANTAXTIC COMPETITION

Cathalene Bowler-associate professor of accounting

 

Ryan Flugum-assistant professor of finance

‌DATA ANALYTICS IN FINANCE

"Integrating business intelligence platforms in the finance program has allowed our students to become comfortable with using real-time data and financial technologies that are required for them to be successful in the finance industry. It also allows faculty to focus less on obtaining data and more on analyzing data with students and covering more content at a deeper level. With greater access to tools like these, finance students can be better prepared for careers as financial managers and financial analysts."

RYAN FLUGUM
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF FINANCE