Vision, funding, and timeline
Q: Why is Tippie expanding the business college building?
A: When the Pappajohn Business Building opened in 1994, our college had 1,600 students and nearly 100 full-time faculty. Today, we’re operating beyond capacity. Our finance major alone now enrolls more than 1,200 students, making it the largest at Iowa. Last year, we saw a record enrollment of more than 4,000 undergraduate business students on campus and more than 1,700 off-campus graduate students across the country—as well as more than 150 faculty and staff to support them.
Day-to-day info
For students, faculty, and staff.
With the addition of risk management and insurance and corporate accounting, two new bachelor’s degrees in economics, and an entrepreneurship major, we anticipate more than 5,000 undergraduate students within the next few years. Our reputation for attainable excellence will ensure that we continue to be a destination for business education in the Big Ten.
To address these growing needs, we’re sustainably adding 65,000 square feet by renovating and expanding into the historic Gilmore Hall, which shares our green space and is conveniently located on Jefferson St., across from the Pentacrest Museums. We plan to modernize this 1910 building while carefully preserving its historic character.
The project will include a dual-purpose glass atrium, which will link the two buildings and become the heart of the new business campus—along with additional courtyard green space, functional outdoor seating, and new building entrances. These changes will make the Tippie College of Business a collaborative campus and community hub, enlivening an entire city block.
Q: How is the project being funded?
A: The building expansion project is fully funded through a combination of private philanthropic donations, college reserves, and university capital improvement dollars. No tuition increases or special fees were implemented for this project.
Q: When will the project be completed?
A: Construction is anticipated to begin early fall of 2026 and span two years. A grand opening will be held following the completion of construction.
Building features and design
Q: What new amenities will the building feature?
A: From a striking new event space to cutting-edge labs, every corner of Tippie’s transformed business campus is designed to support connection, innovation, and real-world learning.
- A 25-seat executive board room overlooking the iconic Pentacrest
- Advanced analytics, AI, sales, and communications labs
- Entrepreneurial Hub with open work areas, breakout rooms, and cutting-edge resources to support aspiring entrepreneurs and interdisciplinary teams
- Two new 40-60 student active learning classrooms to support a variety of activities, including group work
- A 90-seat classroom, the third-largest classroom on the business campus and the only one of its size
- A 150-seat event space
- Large, light-filled atrium that offers flexible seating for studying, collaborative group work, and social gatherings.
- Expanded eatery (Pat’s Diner) with upgraded kitchen
- Department suites to bring together previously scattered faculty with adjacent offices and common areas
Q: How will students benefit from these upgrades?
A: Students have a lot to look forward to, with spaces that will amplify their classes and opportunities:
- The new Tippie Career Services Center will provide a more professional environment for employer recruiting visits and events hosted by industry leaders.
- The highly visible Frank Business Communication Center and communications lab will allow students to use a virtual reality tool to walk into a “boardroom” filled with AI-generated board members who are sleepy, combative, or skeptical. Students will learn not just to map out their talking points—but how to manage their own reactions when their ideas don’t gain immediate buy-in.
- Two new classrooms with flexible, tech-friendly spaces are being designed for hands-on teaching and learning so students can engage with their education instead of “watching” it. Students might mingle at a simulated networking event, work through a crisis communications scenario, or collaborate on team projects with partners around the world.
- Students spend up to 14 hours a day in our building, so we’re providing a variety of healthy spaces—including additional seating in the light-filled atrium and a revitalized courtyard with new seating areas to help busy students recharge in fresh air and a natural environment.
- A new configurable space dedicated to student success will provide maximum flexibility for supplemental instruction, tutoring, student group meetings, case competition practices, and Tippie Thrive activities focused on building resiliency.
Q: Will the new green space include pollinator-friendly plants and landscaping to support local ecosystems?
A: Yes. Being a member of the Bee Campus USA community means the University of Iowa and Tippie College of Business are committed to the goals of conserving native pollinators through increasing the number of native plants on our grounds.
Construction impact and operations
Q: Will parking and pedestrian walkways be affected during construction?
A: Yes. Designated pedestrian detours will be clearly marked with safety signage. Please visit the Facilities Management website for updated closures and to sign up for alerts.
Updates and contact information
Q: Where can I find more information about the Tippie building expansion project?
A: Visit the Tippie College of Business and The Tippie of Tomorrow campaign websites, and also follow the college on social media.
Q: How can I support this project?
A: Thank you for your interest in shaping the future of business education at the University of Iowa. For more information, please contact Anthony Lehnertz at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement at (319) 467-3359 or anthony.lehnertz@foriowa.org. To make a pledge or support the project with a one-time or recurring gift, please use our secure online donation form.
Be part of our future
Get all the details on The Tippie of Tomorrow and be part of the journey.