Iowa State University facts for kids
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Iowa State University of Science and Technology
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Former names
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Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm (1858–1898) Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (1898–1959) |
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| Motto | "Science with Practice" |
| Type | Public land-grant research university |
| Established | March 22, 1858 |
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Parent institution
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Iowa Board of Regents |
| Accreditation | HLC |
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Academic affiliations
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| Endowment | $1.64 billion (2023) |
| President | Wendy Wintersteen |
| Provost | Jonathan Wickert |
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Academic staff
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1,746 (2023) |
| Students | 30,177 (Fall 2023) |
| Undergraduates | 25,332 (Fall 2023) |
| Postgraduates | 4,210 (Fall 2023) |
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Other students
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635 (Fall 2023) |
| Location |
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United States
42°01′34″N 93°38′53″W / 42.0262°N 93.6480°W |
| Campus | Small city, 1,813 acres (7.34 km2) |
| Newspaper | Iowa State Daily |
| Colors | Cardinal and gold |
| Nickname | Cyclones |
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Sporting affiliations
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NCAA Division I FBS – Big 12 |
| Mascot | Cy the Cardinal |
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Iowa State University of Science and Technology (often called Iowa State University or Iowa State) is a large public university in Ames, Iowa. It was started in 1858 as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm. Iowa State was one of the first "land-grant" universities in the United States. This means the government gave land to the state to build a college focused on agriculture and mechanical arts.
Iowa State is the biggest university in Iowa by student numbers. It offers many different study programs. Students can choose from over 100 bachelor's degrees, 120 master's degrees, and 80 doctoral programs. There is also a special program in Veterinary Medicine.
The university is known for its high level of research. It works with places like the Ames National Laboratory. Iowa State's sports teams are called the Cyclones. They play in NCAA Division I and are a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.
Contents
- Discovering Iowa State's History
- Exploring Academic Programs
- Special Achievements of Iowa State
- Research at Iowa State
- Exploring the Campus
- Student Life at ISU
- Iowa State Athletics: The Cyclones
- Notable Alumni and Faculty
- See also
- Images for kids
Discovering Iowa State's History
Iowa State University began on March 22, 1858. It was first called the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm. Story County was chosen as its home in 1859. The university bought 648 acres of land for its campus.
Iowa was the first state to accept the Morrill Act of 1862. This act gave land to states to create colleges. Iowa State became a land-grant college on March 29, 1864. This means it focused on teaching practical subjects.
From the start, Iowa State believed that higher education should be open to everyone. It taught both general and practical subjects. This idea is a key part of land-grant universities.
Girls and boys have studied together since 1868. The first class graduated in 1872. It included 24 men and two women.
The Farm House was the first building on campus. It was finished in 1861. It served as a home for leaders of the Model Farm. Iowa State's first president, Adonijah Welch, lived there briefly.
In 1870, the university started farmers' institutes. These were classes held off-campus for farmers. They were early examples of what we now call "extension" services.
In 1872, Mary B. Welch, the president's wife, taught the first courses in domestic economy. This was about home and family life. Iowa State was the first land-grant university to offer these classes for college credit.
The School of Veterinary Science opened in 1879. It was the first state veterinary college in the U.S. Students learned about animal health and science.
William M. Beardshear became president in 1891. He helped the college grow a lot. He added new farm programs and hired great teachers. Many famous buildings were built during his time. These include the Campanile and Catt Hall.
In 1898, the school changed its name. It became Iowa State College of Agricultural and Mechanic Arts. This showed how much it had grown. Today, Beardshear Hall holds many important university offices. Catt Hall is named after Carrie Chapman Catt, a famous suffragette.
In 1912, Iowa State held its first Homecoming. This was a celebration for former students. It happened during the annual football game against the University of Iowa.
The VEISHEA festival started in 1922. Its name came from the first letters of the university's colleges. These were Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Industrial Science, Home Economics, and Agriculture. VEISHEA became the largest student-run festival in the country. It brought many visitors to campus. The festival ended in 2014.
The Statistical Laboratory opened in 1933. It was the first research center of its kind in the U.S. It focused on using statistics to solve problems.
In 1937, professor John Vincent Atanasoff had an idea for a new computer. With student Clifford Berry, he built the first electronic digital computer. It was called the Atanasoff–Berry Computer (ABC). This computer helped start the computer age.
During World War II, Iowa State helped the U.S. Navy. It was one of many colleges that trained students for the Navy.
On July 4, 1959, the college got its current name. It became Iowa State University of Science and Technology. This name shows its focus on science and technology.
Iowa State now has eight colleges. They offer many different study areas. The university is known for its research. It has led to many inventions. These include the first binary computer and Maytag blue cheese.
The campus is about 2,000 acres. It has grown a lot since it started. Iowa State is now known around the world for its research. In 2015, it had a record 36,001 students.
Exploring Academic Programs
Iowa State University has eight colleges and two schools. They offer many different degree programs. You can study for a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. degree. There's also a special degree in Veterinary Medicine.
Colleges and Schools at ISU
Here are some of the main colleges at Iowa State:
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (started 1858)
- College of Veterinary Medicine (started 1879)
- College of Engineering (started 1904)
- Graduate College (started 1913)
- College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (started 1959)
- College of Design (started 1978)
- Ivy College of Business (started 1984)
- College of Human Sciences (started 2005)
ISU also has the Greenlee School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The School of Education is also part of the university.
University Rankings and Research
Iowa State is known for its strong research. It spends almost $500 million on research each year. It is classified as an "R1: Doctoral University." This means it has very high research activity.
In 2020, Iowa State's agriculture and forestry programs were ranked 16th in the world. Its statistics program was tied for 20th in the U.S. in 2018. The chemistry and physics programs are also highly ranked.
Iowa State is one of only 54 universities in the U.S. to be named an "Innovation and Economic Prosperity University." This award recognizes its work in helping the economy.
Parks Library: A Hub for Learning
The W. Robert and Ellen Sorge Parks Library is a huge library. It has over 2.6 million books. It also gets more than 98,600 different magazines and journals. The library is named after a former president of Iowa State, W. Robert Parks, and his wife, Ellen.
Inside the library, you can see eight large mural panels. These were painted by the famous Iowa artist Grant Wood. They show scenes of agriculture and how it helps human civilization.
English Language Program for International Students
Iowa State has a special program for students from other countries. It's called the Intensive English and Orientation Program (IEOP). This program helps students improve their English. It prepares them for college-level studies. Students can take classes in grammar, reading, writing, and speaking.
Special Achievements of Iowa State
Birthplace of the First Electronic Digital Computer
Iowa State is famous as the birthplace of the first electronic digital computer. This invention helped start the computer revolution. Professor John Atanasoff and student Clifford Berry created the Atanasoff–Berry Computer (ABC) between 1937 and 1942.
In 1973, a U.S. judge officially said that Atanasoff was the inventor of the electronic digital computer. A working copy of the ABC was built in 1997. You can see it on display at the Durham Computation Center on campus.
Starting Cooperative Extension
The idea of the Extension Service began at Iowa State. This service helps share university knowledge with communities. Iowa State started the first Extension Service in 1902. This program became a model for the national extension program in 1914.
VEISHEA Celebration: A Look Back
Iowa State was well-known for VEISHEA. This was a big annual festival held every spring. The name VEISHEA came from the first letters of the university's original colleges:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Engineering
- Industrial Science
- Home Economics
- Agriculture
VEISHEA was the largest student-run festival in the nation. It brought thousands of visitors to campus. The festival had a parade and open houses. Campus groups showed off their work and raised money for charity. Many famous people visited VEISHEA, including presidents and entertainers.
The last VEISHEA was held in 2014. The university decided to stop the festival.
Iowa State's Role in the Manhattan Project
Iowa State played a part in the Manhattan Project during World War II. This was a secret research program to develop the atomic bomb. Scientists at Iowa State created a special process. It helped produce large amounts of pure uranium metal. This metal was important for the project.
Today, Iowa State is the only U.S. university with a U.S. Department of Energy research lab on its campus.
Research at Iowa State
Iowa State University is a member of several important research groups. These include the Universities Research Association. In 2020, Iowa State spent over $363 million on research and development.
Ames National Laboratory
Iowa State is unique because it has a U.S. Department of Energy research lab right on its campus. This lab is called Ames National Laboratory. It is one of ten national research labs.
Ames Lab started in the 1940s. It helped create a way to make pure uranium for atomic energy. Today, the lab continues to do important research. It focuses on new materials and solving national problems. More than 500 people work there. Many students are part of the team.
Dan Shechtman, a Nobel Prize winner, is connected to Ames National Laboratory.
ISU Research Park
The ISU Research Park helps new companies grow. It was started in 1987. The park manages research facilities and programs. It helps connect university research with businesses.
Other Research Centers
The Biorenewables Research Laboratory opened in 2010. It is a special building for research on renewable resources. It helps scientists work together on new ideas.
The Engineering Teaching and Research Complex has advanced labs. It includes one of the world's only six-sided virtual reality labs. This complex supports research by many faculty and students.
The Plant Sciences Institute focuses on understanding plants. It studies how genes and the environment affect plant traits. This research helps predict how plants will grow.
Exploring the Campus
Campus Beauty and Recognition
Iowa State's campus has over 160 buildings. Many of them are historic. The central campus has 490 acres of trees and gardens. Its large central lawn is a famous feature. It was recognized as a special "medallion site" in 1999.
One expert, Thomas Gaines, called Iowa State's campus one of the 25 most beautiful in the country.
The Campanile: A Campus Symbol
The Campanile is a tall bell tower. It was built between 1897 and 1898. It honors Margaret MacDonald Stanton, Iowa State's first dean of women. The tower is 110 feet tall.
The Campanile is a major symbol of Iowa State University. You can see it on the university's ring and official items. It is also mentioned in the university's song, The Bells of Iowa State.
Lake LaVerne: Home to Swans
Lake LaVerne is a beautiful lake on campus. It was a gift from Dr. LaVerne W. Noyes, an alumnus. The lake is home to two mute swans. Their names are Sir Lancelot and Elaine. They were given to Iowa State in 1935.
The current swans are both female. This helps support efforts to bring trumpeter swans back to Iowa.
Reiman Gardens: A Beautiful Oasis
Iowa State has had horticulture gardens since 1914. Reiman Gardens is the current location. It started in 1993 with a gift from Bobbi and Roy Reiman. The gardens officially opened in 1995.
Today, Reiman Gardens is 14 acres. It has many different garden areas. There's an indoor conservatory and a butterfly "wing." It's a popular place to visit in central Iowa.
The gardens have won many awards. Its rose gardens are especially famous. They won the President's Award in 2000 for their excellent care.
University Museums: Art and History
Iowa State has several university museums. These include the Brunnier Art Museum, Farm House Museum, and Christian Petersen Art Museum. They also have the Art on Campus Program and the Elizabeth and Byron Anderson Sculpture Garden.
Brunnier Art Museum
The Brunnier Art Museum is Iowa's only museum focused on decorative arts. It was founded in 1975. The museum is named after Henry J. Brunnier and his wife Ann. They donated a large collection of ceramics, glass, dolls, and more. The museum also has other art objects. It hosts many changing exhibitions each year.
Farm House Museum
The Farm House Museum is a National Historic Landmark. It is the first building on the Iowa State campus. It was built in 1860. The Farm House was a home for early farm leaders. It also housed the college's first president.
In 1976, the Farm House became a museum. It shows what early Iowa State life was like. It has a collection of 19th and early 20th-century items. These include furniture, quilts, and china.
Art on Campus Collection
Iowa State has one of the largest public art programs in the U.S. There are over 2,000 pieces of art across campus. You can find them in buildings, courtyards, and open spaces.
The art program started in the 1930s. President Raymond Hughes wanted art to enrich learning. He invited Grant Wood to paint murals for the library. He also hired Christian Petersen, a sculptor. Petersen created many sculptures for the campus.
Christian Petersen Art Museum
The Christian Petersen Art Museum is in Morrill Hall. It is named after Christian Petersen, who was the first permanent artist at Iowa State. He sculpted and taught there from 1934 to 1955.
Morrill Hall was built in 1891. It was originally a library, museum, and chapel. The building was renovated and reopened as a museum in 2007. It now houses the Christian Petersen Art Collection.
Anderson Sculpture Garden
The Elizabeth and Byron Anderson Sculpture Garden is next to the Christian Petersen Art Museum. It is a beautiful outdoor space. The garden has sculptures from the 20th and 21st centuries. It is planted with many trees and flowers.
Sustainability Efforts
Iowa State is working to be more sustainable. Its composting facility can process over 10,000 tons of organic waste each year. The university also has a fund to support energy-saving projects on campus. In 2011, it received a "B" grade for its sustainability efforts.
Student Life at ISU
Residence Halls: Living on Campus
Iowa State has 20 on-campus residence halls. These are divided into different areas. Friley Hall is one of the largest residence halls in the country.
ISU also has apartment complexes for older students. These are Frederiksen Court and SUV Apartments.
Student Government and Organizations
ISU students have their own government. It is called ISU Student Government. It has a president, vice president, and senators. They represent students from different colleges and living areas.
Iowa State has over 900 student organizations. These groups cover many different interests. The Student Engagement Office supports these organizations. Many student offices are in the Memorial Union.
The Memorial Union opened in 1928. It is a living memorial for ISU students lost in wars. The Gold Star Room honors those who died. It has names engraved in marble.
Music and Arts
The university has a strong music program. It includes over 400 singers in different groups. There are also several a cappella groups.
Fraternities and Sororities
Iowa State has about 50 fraternity and sorority chapters. About 14.6% of undergraduate students are part of these groups. They raise money for charities and do community service. In 2006, the ISU Greek community was named the best in the Midwest.
The first fraternity at Iowa State started in 1875. The first sorority began in 1877.
Campus Media
The Iowa State Daily is the university's student newspaper. It started in 1890. In 2016, it was named the Best All-Around Daily Student Newspaper.
88.5 KURE is the student-run radio station. It plays music and covers ISU sports.
ISUtv is the student-run television station. It has news shows, sports programs, and weather forecasts.
Iowa State Athletics: The Cyclones
The "Cyclones" nickname started in 1895. That year, Iowa had many tornadoes, called cyclones. Iowa State's football team beat Northwestern University 36–0. A newspaper headline said, "Struck by a Cyclone." The name stuck!
The school colors are cardinal and gold. The mascot is Cy the Cardinal. He was introduced in 1954. A cardinal was chosen because a cyclone is hard to draw as a costume.
The Iowa State Cyclones are part of the Big 12 Conference. They compete in NCAA Division I. They have 16 varsity teams in 12 sports. Iowa State also competes against the University of Iowa for the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series trophy.
Football: Cyclone Spirit
Football began at Iowa State in 1878. The first official team was formed in 1892. The Cyclones play for traveling trophies each year. They compete against Iowa for the Cy-Hawk Trophy. They also play Kansas State in a game called Farmageddon.
The Cyclones play their home games at Jack Trice Stadium. It is named after Jack Trice. He was ISU's first African-American athlete. He was also the only Iowa State athlete to die from injuries during a game. Trice died in 1923 after a game against Minnesota. The stadium was named in his honor in 1997. It is the only NCAA Division I-A stadium named after an African-American.
Men's Basketball: Hilton Magic
The men's basketball team plays at Hilton Coliseum. Fans call the special atmosphere there "Hilton Magic." Coach Johnny Orr helped build this magic in the 1980s. Many great players have played for Iowa State.
Under coaches like Tim Floyd and Larry Eustachy, the team had great success. They won Big 12 titles. In 2000, they reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament.
Fred Hoiberg, a former player, became coach in 2010. He led the team to the NCAA tournament many times. In 2014, Iowa State won the Big 12 Tournament. They reached the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament.
Steve Prohm became coach in 2015. He also led the team to the Sweet Sixteen. In 2017, Iowa State won its third Big 12 tournament in four years. The Cyclones have reached the NCAA Final Four once, in 1944.
Women's Basketball: A Strong Program
Iowa State has one of the most successful women's basketball programs. Coach Bill Fennelly has led the team to many victories. They have won three Big 12 titles. They have also reached the Sweet Sixteen five times and the Elite Eight twice in the NCAA tournament.
The team has a huge fan base. Their attendance figures are often among the highest in the nation.
Volleyball: Top-Ranked Team
Coach Christy Johnson-Lynch has led the volleyball team to great success. They often have 20-win seasons. They have reached the NCAA regional semifinals many times. In 2012, they beat the No. 1 ranked Nebraska team.
In 2011, Iowa State finished the season ranked eighth nationally. Johnson-Lynch is the fastest coach to reach 100 victories at Iowa State.
Wrestling: Champions on the Mat
The ISU wrestling program has won the NCAA wrestling tournament eight times. They also won the Big 12 Conference Tournament three years in a row. In 2010, they became the first college wrestling program to win 1,000 dual matches.
Cael Sanderson is a legendary ISU wrestler. He was a four-time undefeated NCAA champion. He also won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics. Dan Gable, another famous ISU wrestler, lost only one match in college. He won gold at the 1972 Olympics without giving up a single point.
Iowa State has hosted the NCAA Wrestling Championships eight times.
Notable Alumni and Faculty
See also
- Iowa Board of Regents
- CyRide
- List of land-grant universities
Images for kids
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Iowa State University seal
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Iowa State University wordmark
