Office of the President

President Steve Leath, Janet Leath and their dog ride in the
Veishea parade

President Steven Leath, Janet Leath and the family dogs -- Quill (middle) and Dixie (hidden, on the floor) -- greet well-wishers during the April 20 Veishea parade. Veishea is the annual festival that has served as a showcase and display of the university since 1922. Veishea recap: Slideshow | Video.

Leath discusses priorities, budget request with legislative committee

President Steven Leath laid out Iowa State's priorities (student success and creating jobs and improving life for Iowans) and its FY2014 budget appropriations request in a presentation to the Iowa legislature's Education Appropriations Subcommittee Feb. 12. See the president's Powerpoint presentation.

Leath urges students to seize college opportunity

Students at Moulton Extended Learning Center and King Elementary School, Des Moines, could earn full-tuition scholarships to Iowa State if they successfully complete a new program. A partnership among their schools, the university and State Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad created the opportunity. "All you have to do is roll up your sleeves and work with your parents, your principals, your teachers to get this done," Leath told the students during a school ceremony. News story | Video.

New funding initiative intended to spur big thinking in research

President Leath has released the details of a funding initiative to support new multidisciplinary research programs that will have a "transformational impact" on the university, the state and the country. Leath first mentioned the initiative in his Sept. 14 installation address, saying it was "intended to create a new culture of interdisciplinary and collaborative research at Iowa State, a culture that encourages thinking big."
Initiative: Details (PDF) | FAQ

Erskine Bowles
and President Leath at the installation

Leath announces goals, priorities during his installation

At his Sept. 14 installation, President Steven Leath announced a goal to raise $150 million in private gifts for student financial aid over the next five years. It was among several key priorities Leath outlined in his speech, "Educate. Innovate. Achieve!" More than 2,000 guests attended the presidential installation ceremony, held at Stephens Auditorium on the Iowa State campus.
Installation: Leath's remarks | Video | Slide show

Leath testifies to U.S. committee on college affordability

President Leath told a U.S. Senate committee July 19 that a college education should be accessible to anyone who wants to pursue it. "And being accessible means being affordable, without being burdened by an unmanageable debt load, which unfortunately is the case for many today." See: Video of the hearing | Testimony submitted to Senate committee.

About the Leaths

A land-grant guy, VISIONS, spring 2012

5-minute video, The Leaths, on family, careers and farms, ISU Foundation, January 2012

Introducing President Leath, Inside Iowa State, Jan. 17, 2012.