About

History

In 1963, a group of Iowa alumni and friends gathered at an informal picnic at the Rockford, Illinois, home of the late McKinley "Deacon" Davis (55BA). The group agreed to organize on a more formal basis and became known as the Iowa Black Alumni Association (IBAA). Today, the IBAA has grown to an active membership of more than 300 people.

The Hall of Honor and scholarship fund are two major IBAA projects supported by the University of Iowa Center for Advancement and University of Iowa administration.

IBAA Executive Board

Joey Thurman

President

Dedicated University of Iowa alumnus with over a decade of leadership experience on the Iowa Black Alumni Association (IBAA) board. Since joining the board 11 years ago, I have driven growth by introducing innovative membership incentives and launching the inaugural 2016 Chicago outdoor alumni cookout. My history with the university spans from my time as a student (1977–1982) to returning in 1995 to manage the Afro House and complete my degree. I have proudly served as President of the IBAA since 2022.