UNI commencement brings noteworthy moments in preparing school leaders

The University of Northern Iowa’s impact in preparing future educators goes beyond offering undergraduate degrees. This year’s UNI commencement will include two noteworthy events: the first cohort of a special partnership with Des Moines Public Schools to meet a need for administrators and the largest number of students to earn their Doctor of Education degree (EdD) in program history.

• In 2023, UNI announced the Purple Pathway for School Administrators to help meet a need for administrative positions in the Des Moines school district as part of UNI@DMACC by building on UNI’s master’s degree and advanced studies certificate in principalship. While primarily online, the in-person classes are delivered on the DMACC Urban Campus. Curriculum is tailored to meet the unique leadership needs of DMPS, which is the largest school district in Iowa. More DMPS alumni are on the way! The 2025 cohort looks forward to orientation on the DMACC Urban campus in June with three more to follow beginning in 2027, 2029 and 2031 now that DMPS has entered into a new six-year agreement. 
   
• The number of EdD graduates will also continue to grow, with projections estimating 100 active EdD candidates by spring 2026. Program leaders believe several key changes have fueled this growth, including a shift to annual admissions, strengthened recruitment, retention and program coordination efforts, and a robust base of 79 faculty members from across the university supporting teaching, advising and dissertation committees. EdD students can select one of six specialized academic fields:
  • Principalship
  • Superintendency 
  • Special Education
  • Curriculum & Instruction
  • Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs
  • Interdisciplinary Studies