In 1998 a projects task force identified the need for undergraduate and graduate courses, corporate training, and certification programs in downtown Des Moines. In August 2000, the Des Moines Higher Education Center started offering college credit courses. In September 2004 the John and Mary Pappajohn Higher Education Center opened.

The seven charter educational institutions are committed to offering programs that meet the needs of the downtown and greater Des Moines community. Participating institutions include the University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Drake University, Simpson College, Grand View College, and Des Moines Area Community College. The center coordinates courses and class schedules and provides convenient, easily accessible classrooms. In the future, the center could also coordinate corporate training programs and other professional development offerings.

Iowa State offered nine credit courses at the Center fall semester 2004.
Iowa State University in the
Pappajohn Higher Education Center
(515) 235-4640

Des Moines Higher Education Collaborative
Pappajohn Higher Education Center
1200 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
(515) 284-5588
www.dmhec.com