Zachary M. Zippe

Zachary Mason Zippe
Major/Job Title:
Political Science
Hometown:
Mediapolis, Iowa
Class Year:
2022

Zachary M. Zippe

What brought you to UNI?

I came to UNI because of the campus and the community. Upon one visit, I knew this is the university I wanted to attend. It isn’t too small because it is still D1, but it isn’t too big because Cedar Falls really has the small town feel. For me, it is a goldilocks university.

What did you enjoy most about attending UNI?

I enjoyed being able to dive into the areas that interested me. I did not take the most traditional approach to college, and I often took classes outside of my comfort zone to discover new things at UNI. I like that I was able to do that, and yet still maintain my core course studies as well.

How did you become interested in your major? 

I originally got accepted to be a biology major, but before classes even started I switched to political science and pre-law. I knew this would help me out a lot more in law school, and honestly I am thoroughly glad I made the switch so soon. I do not think I would have had the same experiences in any other major.

What were some of your favorite classes? 

Dr. Renfro’s international relations classes are what got me excited about what I was learning. As a new transfer student, I really didn’t have any idea what was going on at first, but I always looked forward to his classes.

Once I was at UNI for a little bit I started to branch out and I took a philosophy and an acting class. The philosophy class was incredibly difficult, but it definitely improved my critical thinking skills. The acting class also broadened my social horizons and greatly improved my public speaking and willingness to get outside of my comfort zone.

Finally, it would be remiss not to mention any of Dr. Peter’s classes that largely focus on the courts in the US. Legal studies is my minor, and I enjoyed all of his classes because of his great depth of knowledge. He also makes the boring stuff interesting because he is able to articulate the nuances that would otherwise be lost.

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

I have attended multiple academic conferences including the University of Iowa’s Human Rights Conference, the STRATCOM conference at Iowa State, and a few others. For student organizations I have been involved with Model United Nations Competition Team, Iowa High School Model United Nations, Northern Iowa Student Government, Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, NextGen USA, and Political Science Society.

Post-graduation plans?

I am an infantry officer in the Iowa Army National Guard, and this fall I will be heading to the Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course. After that, I will be attending law school in the fall of 2023.

How did UNI prepare you for your post-graduation plans?

I have UNI to thank for all of my academic and professional skills. Not only did I become proficient in my major, but also my minor and certificates have helped shape me in my career. I now possess the knowledge and skills to keep moving forward in all of my professional pursuits.

What advice would you give to high school seniors (and/or transfer students)?

I highly recommend choosing Political Science if you want to work in any sort of government job or want to go to law school. As for what you do at UNI, I recommend finding a student organization that suits you best. Whether that be Model UN, NISG, Dance Marathon, or whatever, just commit to being a part of something outside of your classes.