The University of Northern Iowa President’s House is much more than just a symbol for leadership on campus. As President Mark Nook shared, it is an iconic space that serves as both a home and a center for campus and community activities.
“We treat it like our home,” Nook shared, reflecting on the experience of living in the President’s House. “But at the same time, it’s a space that brings people together, helping us connect with the campus and the broader Cedar Falls community.”
Located at the heart of the UNI campus, the President’s House is often used for a variety of events. From small breakfast gatherings to large receptions, the house hosts numerous events each year. Whether it’s meeting with faculty, or welcoming student organizations, the President’s House plays a crucial role in upholding the university’s mission and creating connections with the Cedar Falls community. “The President’s House is really not only the home to the president, but a welcome center for the campus too,” Nook said. “We hold several events there a year, and it’s a space that people are excited to visit. It’s a historic, beautiful structure, and it holds a lot of significance for the community.”
Nook emphasized the benefits of using the house as a place for building relationships. Notably, hosting student groups have been some of the most memorable. He recalled hosting groups like the Presidential Scholars, where they can have honest conversations about leadership on campus. “The student gatherings really stand out to me. It’s not just a chance to meet with students — it’s an opportunity to hear directly from them, understand their challenges and brainstorm ways to make life better for everyone on campus,” Nook said.
While the home serves as an iconic landmark on campus for its professional purpose, it is also a space for Nook and his family. Nook’s wife, Cheryl, and their grandchildren, who love to visit, are frequent residents of the home. Nook expressed that to his family, the entire campus is an extension of their home. “Living here is like being part of a larger family,” Nook remarked. “The students, faculty and staff are all a part of our extended family. We open our home to the campus community just as we would to family and friends.”
Beyond the house’s role as a venue for events, Nook also spoke of certain areas of the house that hold personal significance. One such place is the south-facing porch, located just outside the Nook’s living quarters on the second floor. “It’s a quiet, relaxing space,” he said, describing it as a favorite spot for both he and Cheryl. “We enjoy sitting there and taking in the beauty of the campus, especially in the warmer months.” The home has two floors used for hosting the public. The basement which is used as a rec room, includes a pool table, television, and many couches. The main floor is more traditional, with dining spaces to host meals. The Nook’s call the top floors home.
The President’s House, which dates back to 1909, has undergone several updates and renovations over the years, with the most recent ones taking place following the departure of President Ben Ruden. These renovations were made to ensure the house is staying up to date while sustaining its historic charm. Despite these improvements, Nook expressed respect for the home’s iconic history and stressed the importance of preserving its legacy.
Although some have wondered whether the role of the President’s House might change in the future, Nook believes the house will continue to play an essential part in UNI’s legacy. “It’s hard to imagine this house doing anything other than being the President’s residence. It’s such a historic space, and so much of UNI’s history is tied to it,” he said. “In many ways, it’s the front door to campus.”
The home, which sits on a prominent corner of campus near University Avenue, is a symbol of the university’s ongoing mission to foster community. Nook hopes that students and faculty view the President’s House as both a residence and a cornerstone of UNI’s heritage. “Hopefully, people will always see it as a special place — something that’s integral to the university,” he said. “It’s not just where the president lives; it’s a place that supports the growth of our campus and brings people together.”
As UNI prepares for its 150th anniversary in the coming years, the President’s House remains a symbol of the university’s commitment to creating community and building relationships that will shape its future.
