Business

David W. Wilson

David Wilson, 1970 UNI graduate and founder of Wilson Automotive

David W. Wilson considers his story to be emblematic of the American Dream. Through sheer determination and a belief in doing business the right way, he rose from a small-town Iowa kid with a lower middle class background to become chairman and CEO of Wilson Automotive, one of the country’s largest privately held auto dealerships.
Holly and David Wilson

David W. Wilson pledges $25 million donation to University of Northern Iowa

A historic gift to the University of Northern Iowa will mark a new chapter in the university’s renowned business college. 
Student working on computer

$25 Million gift ushers in a new era of business education

The newly named David W. Wilson College of Business at the University of Northern Iowa and the campus community are ushering in a new era of transformative education thanks to the historic $25 million donation from David W. Wilson. In 2022 the university launched its largest and most aggressive capital campaign, Our Tomorrow. The goal is large but the mission is simple: ask ourselves what does the world need tomorrow and deliver. At UNI, we’ve never stopped thinking about what our students, state and world…
David W. Wilson Ethics Chair event

David W. Wilson Ethics Chair nurtures ethical leadership for tomorrow's business world

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, one fundamental aspect has remained constant: the importance of ethical decision-making. For nearly two decades, the University of Northern Iowa's College of Business has championed ethics for future business leaders, thanks to the establishment of the David W. Wilson Chair in Ethics. This gift from UNI alum David W. Wilson has not only enriched the academic environment but has also had a profound impact on the way students and faculty approach ethics in the…
Nathan and Davan Crooker

Like-minded brothers find success with separate entrepreneurial ventures

Davan and Nathan Crooker asked themselves where they could go to get a quality education and grow their ventures. The answer? The University of Northern Iowa.
Investing with a cause graphics

Investing with a Cause

Investment decision-making has long revolved around two key factors: returns and profits. But during the past couple of decades, additional factors have begun to influence those decisions. Due to the rise of environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, many now use a socially-conscious set of guidelines to pick potential investments.
Curris Business Building

Take a tour of Curris Business Building with student-athlete Jack Sumners

Jack Sumners is a fifth-year senior economics major at the University of Northern Iowa and an international student from Great Britain. A student-athlete, he is also a sprinter on the UNI Track & Field team. 
FBC Conference

Family businesses play a vital role in Iowa's economy

Tony Simmons, former President and CEO of McIlhenny Company, showed up in Des Moines and ‘kicked it up a notch’ at the second annual Iowa Family Business Conference presented by the University of Northern Iowa Family Business Center. The event featured a keynote address from Simmons about his time growing up in and leading McIlhenny Company. He might be from Avery Island, Louisiana, but his story focused on what we know all too well in Iowa: family businesses are different.