Celebrate with CSBS

Commemorating the people, progress and pride of our past as we look ahead to a bright tomorrow!

This year, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences proudly celebrates its 45th anniversary as a college. Many of our departments and programs, however, trace their histories back much further, contributing to the university’s mission well before CSBS was formally established.

As UNI marks 150 years of excellence, innovation and community, we join in honoring that shared legacy. Through stories, profiles and milestones, we celebrate the people and programs that have shaped both CSBS and the broader UNI tradition. From advancing research to preparing students as future leaders, our college exemplifies UNI’s enduring commitment to building on tradition while embracing the ideas and discoveries that will define tomorrow.

We invite you to visit often, as new stories, profiles, projects and events will be added throughout UNI’s Sesquicentennial year.

Historic photos on this page and throughout the site courtesy of Special Collections & University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa

History

1968

The College of Business and Behavioral Sciences was established, including Business and Business Education, Home Economics, Psychology and Social Science. Psychology had previously been part of Education and Psychology, and Home Economics had been its own program since 1909.

1930 A women working at a sewing machine. The original sleeve included "Nelson, Iowa." — Woman sewing machine 1930

1969

The Department of Social Science (est. 1922) was divided into Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Sociology and Anthropology.

A professor, likely Lyman Harris, showing two students a map of Germany mounted on the wall. The original description included "Social Science: Dr. Harris and students" 1948 — "Social Science: Dr. Harris and students" 1948

1975

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology became the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work.

1980

The College of Business and Behavioral Sciences officially became the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

1982

The Department of Social Work became its own unit, while Sociology and Anthropology returned to their previous department name.

1985

The Department of Economics joined the School of Business, later the College of Business Administration in 1989.

1992

The Department of Home Economics became the Department of Design, Family and Consumer Sciences.

1997

The department became the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology.

2005

The Department of Design, Family and Consumer Sciences became the Department of Design, Textiles, Gerontology and Family Studies, evolving into the School of Applied Human Sciences in 2010 and the Department of Family, Aging and Counseling in 2023.

2011

The Department of Military Science became part of CSBS, although ROTC and military science had a campus presence dating back to the early 20th century.

2009-2011

Sabin Hall, home of CSBS, underwent a major renovation, resulting in a “rejuvenated building that bears little resemblance to the old.” Key features include an interior light well, which honors Sabin’s original central courtyard, LEED Silver Certification, and terrazzo artwork, “Coursing Through Life,” installed in the atrium floor.

2022

CSBS launches a new School of Health & Human Sciences and welcomes the Department of Kinesiology and Athletic Training and Department of Nursing & Public Health. The school additionally houses the Department of Family, Aging and Counseling and the Department of Social Work.