Tippie's newly reimagined business campus will serve as the launch pad for the next generation of leaders—with spaces built to match the ambition of its students and programs.
In recent years, Tippie’s focus on campus has undergone a strategic shift to its undergraduate education program: Classes are more hands-on and immersive. Career support is more customized. And communication skills and resiliency are more integrated throughout the entire student experience.
The approach has worked: U.S. News & World Report named Tippie a top-20 public business school, and the college has nearly tripled its enrollment since the Pappajohn Business Building (PBB) first opened its doors in 1994.
And soon, Tippie will have a gorgeous, updated campus occupying an entire city block, translating its latest ambitions for the future into glass, light, and flow.
With the help of Iowa City’s Neumann Monson Architects, Tippie is planning to renovate PBB, take over and improve the adjacent, historic Gilmore Hall, and connect the two with a striking glass atrium that will function as the vibrant, living heart of the business campus.
The changes will make the school’s priorities visible, says Dean Amy Kristof-Brown.
“A student will be able to see—by standing in the new atrium—advising, the Frank Business Communication Center, career services, and student success resources,” she says. “These thoughtful features are going to help pull their academic journey together and translate it into an effective internship, first job, and later, a fulfilling career.”
While design elements are still taking shape and require Iowa Board of Regents approval, we couldn’t wait to give you a sneak peek.
Related stories:
How students will benefit
Take a look inside
History preserved; purpose renewed
Designed for maximum impact
This story package appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of Tippie Magazine.
Early conceptual design renderings by Neumann Monson Architects.
Please join us in bringing this vision to life!
