The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan
The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan
The student news site of the University of Northern Iowa

Northern Iowan
NIXSON BENITEZ

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor

Nixson Benitez (He/Him) is the Executive Editor at the Northern Iowan. Benitez is from Des Moines, Iowa, majoring in digital media journalism with a minor in web development. He is the founder of the Spanish column and one of the founders of the Iowa Association of Black Journalists. Before his position, Benitez interned in a marketing agency in Atlanta and covered human interest pieces in the Cedar Falls community. Fun fact: Nixson is a sneakerhead and his favorite pair of shoes is Bred 1.

All content by NIXSON BENITEZ
The NI 2022-2023 staff went out to eat together at Los Cabos to celebrate their achievements together.

End of an Era: Benítez departs from the NI

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Apr 26, 2023
Micaiah Krutsinger and Liz Montalvo will be your 2023-2024 student body president and vice president.

Election Results: Taking your ABC’s into 2023 and 2024

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Feb 22, 2023
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Micaiah and Liz: learn your ABC’s

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Feb 19, 2023
Sam Caughron (right) and Christelle Tungu (left) spoke on their platform this past Wednesday about some of the future initiatives for their administration.

[Photo] Sam and Christelle: a PACT that will last

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Feb 19, 2023
ChatGPT has sent Google scrambling into adopting AI for its own platform.

The search engine war: ChatGPT vs Google

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Feb 8, 2023
Maya McDermott attempts a free throw. McDermott is having a breakout season in her first year as the starting point guard.

McDermott impacting Panther basketball

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Feb 2, 2023
After 36 years of teaching journalism and communication, Professor Christian Ogbondah, Ph.D., retired and made Iowa Black History.

The great legacy of Christian Ogbondah

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Feb 2, 2023
The decreasing number of enrollment at UNI has created a domino effect on student engagement. Many members in Fraternity and Sorority Life feel the impact and struggles to recruit for their chapters.

[Photo] The fall of UNI fraternities and sororities

KATE MURPHY, Staff Writer
Jan 26, 2023
University President Mark Nook joined Panther Esports for the launch of their campus-wide Minecraft server. Panther Esports President Tanner Brain joined President Nook for a livestream of him playing the game in the Esports Lounge in Maucker Union.

[Photo] Mark Nook joins the game

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Dec 4, 2022
Students were turned away from Rialto during the lunch rush on Nov. 16. According to university officials, a fan in the Towers Center malfunctioned, emitting smoke and causing sprinklers to engage within the dining hall.

[Photo] Dining hall disaster

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Nov 16, 2022
Nancy Kertz has been hired on as UNI's executive director for nursing due to her past experience in developing both graduate and undergraduate nursing programs.

Board of Regents approves nursing program

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Nov 16, 2022

Updates from the Board of Regents

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Nov 16, 2022
Last week, the Northern Iowan hosted a gala for its 130th anniversary.

[Photo] Panther Portrait: N.I. Gala

DIAMOND ROUNDTREE, Campus Life Editor
Nov 15, 2022
The current Northern Iowan editing team. Back row (left to right): Mayra Villanueva (Spanish Editor), Diamond Roundtree (Campus Life Editor), Sophie Hoffmeier (Copy Editor), David Warrington (Sports Editor) and Mallory Schmitz (News Editor). Front row (left to right): Nixson Benitez (Executive Editor) and Emma Koehler (Managing Editor).

A toast to another 130 years

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Nov 7, 2022
El Northern Iowan está cumpliendo 130 años y es algo que se quiere celebrar por los logros a lo largo de la historia y celebrar a los editores, escritores y fotógrafos que hacen y han hecho que el periódico estudiantil siga en pie hasta el día de hoy.

[Photo] Un brindis por otros 130 años

MAYRA VILLANUEVA, Spanish Editor
Nov 7, 2022
Screen Shot 2022-11-07 at 12.23.02 PM

[Photo] Faces of the University of Northern Iowa over 130 years

Nov 7, 2022
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[Photo] The former names of the Northern Iowan

Nov 7, 2022
Bohl's donation was announced during the Homecoming football game on Oct. 8. Bohl graduated from UNI in 1962 with a degree in mathematics before starting a career in the computer field with IBM.

[Photo] Former Panther gifts $5 million

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN, Executive Editor
Oct 26, 2022
Early voting is available in Maucker Union from Oct. 19 - 21. Residents of Black Hawk County can register to vote for the first time at the polls or update their voting address to reflect their Black Hawk County address.

[Photo] 2022 midterms approach

MALLORY SCHMITZ, News Editor
Oct 19, 2022
The 2022-23 UNI men's basketball team poses for a team photo during Monday's media day.

[Photo] Coach Jacobson speaks at media day

ADAM JOHNSON, Sports Writer
Oct 19, 2022
Jax, known for her body-positive lyrics, grew her fame on TikTok. She will be giving a concert at the GBPAC on Nov. 16 for CAB's annual fall concert.

BREAKING: TikTok star Jax coming to GBPAC

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Oct 17, 2022
Students from the Multicultural Theatrical Society offer a chance for students and faculty to learn more of the celebration of Day of the Dead.

[Photo] Day of the Dead festival returns to UNI

CARLY MATHES HENLE, Staff Writer
Oct 16, 2022
Kurt Warner speaks to the media during his trip to Cedar Falls this past weekend.

[Photo] Kurt Warner returns to UNI

CADEN SHEA, Sports Editor
Oct 12, 2022
Rodríguez es la presidenta de UNIdos y se ha enfocado en orear un impacto en campus para los estudiantes latinos y compartir la cultura con todos.

Celebrando los líderes latinx en UNI

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Oct 9, 2022
Though handicap-accessible restrooms are available, it is still an obstacle as it is on the fourth floor of Rod Library.

[Photo] Do you have access?

NKASA BOLUMBU, Staff Writer
Oct 9, 2022
The gaming hub is located near the tunnel that connects Maucker Union and Lang Hall.

[Photo] Why turning the UNI Health Beat into an Esports area sucks

ABIGAIL SAATHOFF, Opinion Columnist
Oct 9, 2022
"Blame it on the Boogie" as you celebrate UNI's 70s-themed homecoming.

[Photo] Panthers get ready to growl and groove

BAILEY KLINKHAMMER, Executive Editor
Oct 5, 2022
In the midst of a nursing shortage in Iowa and examining the interests of incoming students, UNI has proposed a new nursing program awaiting approval from the Board of Regents.

Proposed nursing program breaks new ground

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Oct 2, 2022
The Northern Iowan is excited to welcome Tanner Raine to the editing team as multimedia editor.

Editorial: New Multimedia Editor

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Sep 25, 2022
The Board of Regents approved the replacement of the fabric portion of the roof of the UNI-Dome, with construction planned to take place in Spring 2023.

Board of Regents meets in Cedar Falls

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Sep 21, 2022
Campus Life 3 CMYK

[Photo] Black Student Union celebrates 50 years

DIAMOND ROUNDTREE, Campus Life Editor
Sep 19, 2022
Celebrating Latinx Leaders and advocates at UNI

Celebrating Latinx Leaders and advocates at UNI

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Sep 14, 2022
Panther Esports was founded in 2016 and has grown to be one of the largest student organizations on campus with 235 members.

Panther Esports levels up

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Aug 31, 2022
UNI's Black Student Union will be hosting their 50th Anniversary Gala on Sept. 16. They host a variety of events, including last year's BSU Poetry Slam pictured above.

‘DIS’ is the most wonderful way to get involved

Nixson Benitez, Executive Editor
Aug 29, 2022

Editorial: el Northern Iowan resucita la columna en español del sitio web

Nixson Benitez, Executive Editor
Aug 29, 2022
Editorial: Northern Iowan revives the Spanish column

Editorial: Northern Iowan revives the Spanish column

Nixson Benitez, Executive Editor
Aug 29, 2022
Nixson Benitez is a senior studying digital media journalism with a minor in web development. Benitez looks up to journalists Ida B. Wells and author Shaun King.

Executive editor welcomes new panthers to UNI

Nixson Benitez, Executive Editor
Aug 25, 2022

Un semestre exhausto para los estudiantes

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Apr 21, 2022
Some students have noticeably lost motivation and have been skipping classes.

Students clocking out

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Apr 14, 2022
The BOR will not enforce a mask mandate at the request of several students and faculty members.

Faculty and students demand updated COVID-19 precautions

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Jan 24, 2022
In response to budget cuts and low faculty numbers, students vote at a meeting to create a group advocating for theatre.

UNI Theatre in jeopardy

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Nov 8, 2021
El Dia de los Muertos es celebra en primer dia de Noviembre.

Estudiante celebra El Dia de los Muertos

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Nov 1, 2021
Co-vice president of the Multicultural Theatrical Society Julie Matta (above) is a coordinator for a Day of the Dead Festival on Nov. 1 at the Bertha Martin Theatre.

Day of the Dead Festival to be hosted at UNI

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Oct 28, 2021
Co-vicepresidenta de STM Julie Matta (arriba) esta ayudando a coordinar el proximo Festival del Dia de los Muertos el primero de Nov. en el Teatro de Bertha Martin

[Photo] El Festival del Dia de los Muertos llegara a UNI

MARIO MENDEZ, Spanish Editor
Oct 28, 2021
Students of O'Kane, faculty and administration meet the discuss issues concerning O'Kane removal from the classroom.

UNI continues to grapple with O’Kane removal

NIXSON BENITEZ, THEO ALDER, and CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN
Oct 14, 2021
A student of O'Kane displays the amount of work they have already completed this semester. NISG passed a resolution condemning administration's handling of the removal of O'Kane, as students were left without a professor and did not feel seen or heard by administration.

[Photo] NISG condemns administration

NICK BAUR
Oct 11, 2021
Reflecting on habits may help you find better practices to increase your mood and perform better in everyday tasks.

[Photo] Reevaluating negative energy

NI STAFF, NI Editors
Oct 11, 2021
Coke has been a brand thats been around for quite awhile and continues to make a presence in peoples live.

[Photo] The new Coke Zero – is it worth the change?

SAMANTHA GOODMAN, Opinion Columnist
Oct 11, 2021
Student Body Vice President Alisanne Struck, Speaker of the SenateSam Caughron and Student Body President Samantha Bennett listened to student concerns over President O'Kane's class Oct. 5.

Students speak out over professor removal

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Oct 7, 2021
Scan the QR code above to sign up for the Harvest Conference on Oct. 14 from 9 a.m.-3p.m.

Check “DIS” out

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Oct 7, 2021
Many of the students on campus have been talking about the decisions of the University as the story continues to grow.

[Photo] Was removing Dr. O’Kane from the classroom the right choice from UNI?

JETTA COLSCH
Oct 7, 2021

UNI alum and advocate speaks with BSU

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Oct 4, 2021
Esta en cada quien hacer la eleccion correcta para proteger a las que estan alrededor de nosotros

[Photo] Puedes cambiar de opinion cuando cambian las circunstancias

VILMA GOMEZ, Spanish Writer
Sep 30, 2021
The cost of going out can affect your wallet financially and your mental well-being.

[Photo] Cost of going out every weekend

SAMANTHA GOODMAN, Opinion Columnist
Sep 27, 2021
It takes perception, intelligence and reason to have a good attitude.

[Photo] Work for your relationships

DIEGO SOLORIO
Sep 27, 2021
President of the Digital Collective club Ben Neessen hopes to help students gain professional connections through the club.

[Photo] Digital Collective club seeks new members

ANNA STEVENS
Sep 23, 2021
Bikers traveled through UNI's campus Monday afternoon on their 6,900 mile journey across the United States.

[Photo] Bikers travel across the US, stop at UNI

NI STAFF, NI Editors
Sep 23, 2021
Traveling the world and exploring cultural identity are ways to explore more about yourself.

[Photo] Second First Impressions

NI STAFF, NI Editors
Sep 20, 2021
Inspiring others helps navigate challenges, especially in unprecedented times.

[Photo] Aspire to Inspire

DIEGO SOLORIO
Sep 20, 2021

United Faculty challenges lack of COVID-19 safety procedures

NIXSON BENITEZ and CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN
Aug 26, 2021
Pictured is Nixson Benitez, the new executive editor for the Northern Iowan newspaper.

Executive Editor welcomes everyone to the upcoming school year

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Aug 26, 2021

N.I. en Español: ¡Trabaja con nosotros en el año que viene!

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Apr 29, 2021
Refugee students were given an opportunity to experience what UNI has to offer as the Ethnic Student Promoters hosted a visit day.

Special visit day introduces refugee students to UNI

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Apr 12, 2021
After attending UNI himself, Lizarraga-Estrada decided he wanted to help other multicultural students find where they belong through his role in admissions.

Admissions staff member supports multicultural students

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Apr 8, 2021
Después de asistir él mismo a UNI, Lizárraga-Estrada ahora ayuda a otros estudiantes multiculturales a encontrar a dónde pertenecen a través de su trabajo con la Oficina de Admisiones.

Empleado de Admisiones apoya a los estudiantes multiculturales

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Apr 8, 2021
Guest writer PIERR representative discusses the importance of protecting Asian American students at UNI following racial injustices and attacks across the country.

Carta al editor: Apoye a tus Panteras AAPI

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Apr 1, 2021
Los profesores del departamento del teatro Jim Bray y Gretta Berghammer son los directores de una película que se llama “Dream with Me.”

TheatreUNI to produce “Dream with Me”

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Mar 25, 2021
As more Iowans become vaccinated, students share their experience receiving COVID-19 vaccines.

Vacunados comparten sus historias

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Mar 25, 2021
Award-winning journalist and Waterloo native Nicole Hannah-Jones delivers the keynote address during UNI's DiversiLead conference, held on Saturday, March 20.

UNI hosts DiversiLead conference

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Mar 25, 2021
Jessica Vázquez es estudiante y líder para el departamento de arte aquí en UNI. Aquí, ella presenta su obra, “Esencial,” que creó durante COVID-19.

N.I. en Español: Poder y pasión en el departamento de arte

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Mar 18, 2021
The UNI-Dome is set to be the location of three separate in-person commencement ceremonies this spring.

Ceremonia de graduación de la primavera vuelve a ser en persona

NIXSON BENITEZ and MARIO MENDEZ AGUILAR
Mar 4, 2021
Los profesores del departamento del teatro Jim Bray y Gretta Berghammer son los directores de una película que se llama “Dream with Me.”

N.I. en Español: Theatre UNI producirá “Dream with me”

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Feb 25, 2021
Ceremonia de graduación virtual provoca petición

Ceremonia de graduación virtual provoca petición

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Feb 18, 2021
Cici Daniels es la encargada de relaciones públicas de BSU.

Black History in a pandemic

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Feb 11, 2021
Cici Daniels es la encargada de relaciones públicas de BSU.

N.I. en Español: Mes de la Historia Afroamericano

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Feb 11, 2021
A medida que se acerca la recontrataciòn, el DOR decidió que Campbell Hall se utilizara solo para salas de aislamiento y cuarentena.

Campbell, Lawther experimentarán cambios en el otoño

NIXSON BENITEZ, Executive Editor
Feb 4, 2021

NI en Español: ¡Bienvenidos!

ELIZABETH KELSEY and NIXSON BENITEZ
Jan 28, 2021
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