For the first time in 50 years, the University of Iowa's professional business program in the Quad Cities has a permanent home. The new building in Davenport will open when classes start in two weeks, for the Tippie College of Business Professional MBA Program.
Associate Dean of MBA Programs, David Frasier, says the masters course is also offered in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. Even with 150 students, the Quad Cities program is the smallest of the three, and it's been difficult to find adequate space.
Most recently, the program was held at Palmer College.
Frasier says the university will use the lower level of the new two-story building, on 53rd Street in Davenport. It includes three classrooms, five meeting rooms, and a lounge. It also has new computers and projectors, so students can video conference with classes in different cities.
The University of Iowa also plans to bring its Business Analytics Program to the Quad Cities by the fall.
Russell Construction owns the $4.5 million building. It will rent out the second floor to Regus, an office space rental company. And, the college's space will be rented out to businesses and other groups during the day.