LibAnswers

The institution now known as Iowa State University has gone through multiple names changes over its lifetime.

• 1856: Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm.
• 1868: Iowa Agricultural College. Often identified by its initials, I.A.C.
• 1898-1959: Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.
  • During this time the Board of Trustees adopted the official seal with the inscription, "The Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts - Science with Practice.”
• 1959: Iowa State University of Science and Technology
  • Commonly referred to as "Iowa State University" in official documents.
  • The university seal was also updated to reflect the institution's new name.

Trivia

• "State University of Iowa" was the 1st university in the state and this is still the LEGAL name for the University of Iowa. The Board of Regents approved using "The University of Iowa" for everyday usage in 1964.
• "State College of Iowa" as well as "Iowa State Normal School" and "Iowa State Teachers College" are historical names of the University of Northern Iowa.