Upper Iowa University creating economic change in Fayette

Most colleges are economic engines for communities.

“As the city goes, so do we, and vice versa,” said Upper Iowa University President Dr. Alan Walker. “To continue to be a destination for students and faculty and staff, we need to work with the city to make it attractive.”

The university offers up to $40,000 for an Upper Iowa Business Development grant to businesses willing to relocate to Fayette or existing businesses to expand.

Fayette Flooring was the first recipient of the grant in 2008. Owner Debbie Marmann used the $15,000 grant as reimbursement for building and storefront improvements. This year Steve and Pam Rogers of Sumner received a $40,000 grant to build S.K. Rogers Funeral Chapel on Main Street.

Upper Iowa purchased three buildings downtown where it plans to relocate its bookstore. The university is providing a planner to make sure all the renovated and new buildings are uniform.

The city and college are working together with Upper Exploreland Regional Planning Commission from Postville on a comprehensive plan.

The last comprehensive plan was written in 1967, said City Clerk Christie Dennis.

Both Dennis and Walker agree the city needs more housing.

“We want to work with the city to develop housing,” Walker said.

On campus, Upper Iowa is undergoing the largest construction project in its 151-year history. Two phases will be completed over the next 6 or 7 years, Walker said.

The first phase of the $75 million project is under way. It includes a new liberal arts center and suite-style housing, both scheduled for completion by August 2010, and a new student center due December 2010.

The building designs include glass, arched windows and limestone, which is prevalent in Fayette in northeast Iowa.

“Upper Iowa is doing things you don't see with other colleges these days,” Walker said.

In the 30 years he has been in higher education administration, Walker has never seen such challenging economic times as recently.

Many states are cutting support to state institutions. Private colleges are also hurting because they have relied on earned income from portfolios of large endowments for their operating budgets.

Upper Iowa falls into neither of those scenarios, Walker said.

Although it is an independent, private college, it has never had a large endowment. Its revenue stream is diversified with 20 domestic and international centers, as well as a flourishing online program.

“We see an uptake during recessions because people are going back to school,” he said. “Right now Upper Iowa is in the best financial situation it's ever been in,”

Overall, enrollment is up. The Fayette campus has about 900 students. With the satellite locations and online classes, total enrollment is about 6,600.

“We're the biggest small school you'll ever find,” Walker said. “It's boom times for Upper Iowa and the whole region.”