University of Iowa
History
The University of Iowa (UI, U of I, UIowa, or simply Iowa) is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa. Founded in 1847, it is the oldest and the second-largest university in the state. The University of Iowa is organized into 12 colleges offering more than 200 areas of study and seven professional degrees.
The university was the original developer of the Master of Fine Arts degree and it continues to offer MFA degrees in arts, dance, theatre, film, and creative writing, among others. The Iowa campus spans 1,700 acres centered along the banks of the Iowa River and includes the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, named one of "America's Best Hospitals" for the 26th year in a row.
Academics
The University of Iowa consists of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Education, the College of Law, the Carver College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy, the College of Dentistry, the College of Public Health, the Tippie College of Business, the Graduate College, and the University College.
The university is home to ISCABBS, an online forum which is the world's oldest internet chat room, and Prairie Lights Books, an independent bookstore that hosts readings by national and international authors. The University of Iowa's athletic teams, the Hawkeyes, participate in Division I of the NCAA and are members of the Big Ten Conference.
Research
The University of Iowa is a member of the Association of American Universities, which consists of 62 leading research universities in North America. The university is also a group member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, an academic consortium of Big Ten universities. The University of Iowa has been the site of several key innovations and discoveries, including the development of the first electronic digital computer and the discovery of the anti-cancer drug Zinostatin.
Campus
The University of Iowa's main campus, located in Iowa City, has been a contributing property to the University of Iowa Campus Historic District since 1978. The campus is home to several museums, including the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, and the Old Capitol Museum.
Student Life
The University of Iowa has over 500 student organizations, including groups focused on politics, sports, games, lifestyles, dance, song, and theater. The university also has a well-established Greek System with more than 30 fraternities and sororities.
Athletics
The University of Iowa's athletic teams are known as the Hawkeyes. They compete in the NCAA's Division I, and are members of the Big Ten Conference. The Hawkeyes have won national championships in wrestling, football, field hockey, rifle shooting, and gymnastics.
Notable Alumni
The University of Iowa has over 250,000 alumni. Notable alumni include novelist John Irving, former astronaut James A. Lovell, and pulitzer prize winning playwright Tennessee Williams.