Homer H. Seerley served as the University of Northern Iowa's (then the Iowa State Normal School / Iowa State Teacher's College) second president from 1886 to 1928. He was born in 1848 in Indiana, before moving to Iowa at a young age. He received his Bachelor of Philosophy degree in 1873 from State University of Iowa, his Bachelor of Didactics in 1875, and his Master of Arts in 1876. Seerley was later awarded honorary Doctor of Law degrees from Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa (1898) and the State University of Iowa (1901). Though starting his educational career with the intent of becoming an engineer, Seerley later decided to pursue a teaching career. He was Assistant Principal at Oskaloosa High School in 1873, principal in 1874, and Superintendent of Schools in 1875, before coming to the Iowa State Normal School (ISNS) in 1886. His initial title was “principal” before it was changed to “president” in 1887. Many changes occurred at ISNC/ISTC during Seerley’s 42 year presidency. Upon his arrival, the campus consisted of Central Hall, a two-story building, and South Hall. Under his leadership, a variety of buildings were constructed, including the Administration Building (1895), the Women’s Gymnasium (1903), the Science Building (1906), and the library (1907), among others. Also during his tenure, the Iowa State Normal School’s name was changed to the Iowa State Teachers College. Seerley additionally oversaw the reconfiguring of the institution’s educational program in order to better ensure that its students were on “equal par with graduates of other colleges.” This included adding faculty and working to create a high school accreditation program. The college also became a four year school under Seerley and its organizational structure changed, with the creation of a departmental system and faculty receiving the title of “professor.” Seerley was “considered the foremost educational statesman in the history of Iowa” (Lilledahl) and his educational expertise, particularly in the areas of education courses and teacher-training, was sought after at both the state and national level. He was involved in a variety of organizations, including the Iowa State Teachers Association, the National Education Association, the National Council of Education, and more. Seerley also authored the books History of Civil Government (1897), The County School (1912), and Geography of Iowa (1916). Seerley and his wife, Clara, had three children. He retired in 1928 and passed away in 1932. UNI’s Seerley Hall is named in his honor.