The Iowa Board of Regents is leading the search for the next president of Iowa State University. A 12-member search committee was appointed to identify finalists for the Board’s consideration. The committee is co-chaired by Regent JC Risewick and ISU Faculty Senate president Meghan Gillette.
The Search for Iowa State’s Next President
At a Glance
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30,432
Students
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1,746
Faculty
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4,849
Staff
Iowa State University aspires to be the most student-centric leading research university
Iowa State’s culture of innovation provides students with opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning through the Start Something Network, Student Innovation Center and high-impact activities such as faculty-student research projects, internships and learning communities. Faculty and staff are dedicated to preparing students for future careers and leadership opportunities.
Iowa State’s 1,900-acre campus is one of the most beautiful in the country. The American Society of Landscape Architects recognized central campus as a national landmark for outstanding landscape architecture. ISU is located in the heart of Ames, which is ranked among the Best Places to Live by Livability.com. With a population of more than 65,000, Ames is located in the center of Iowa, just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the state capital and largest population and business center.
Iowa State’s mission is to “Create, share and apply knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place.” In the first three years of the 2022-2031 Strategic Plan the university has invested more than $16.5 million in innovative initiatives. From expanding high-demand degree programs and cutting-edge research to enhancing student well-being and supporting Iowa communities, these strategic investments advance Iowa State toward what it aspires to be.
News and Updates
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Eight semifinalists advance in presidential search
The Iowa State Presidential Search Committee will interview eight semifinalists in the search for the university's next leader. The 12-member committee met in closed session on Oct. 6 to confidentially evaluate the pool of 78 applicants
October 06, 2025
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Next president to be named in November
The search for Iowa State's next president will begin in late July, with the goal of selecting a president as part of the Iowa Board of Regents' regular November meeting.
July 09, 2025
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Presidential search committee meets July 1 on campus
The committee tasked with identifying a successor to President Wendy Wintersteen will meet for the first time Tuesday morning in Beardshear Hall.
June 26, 2025
Building on a Land-Grant Legacy
The Iowa Board of Regents is leading the search for the next president of Iowa State University.
- Eight semifinalists advance in presidential search, Oct. 6, 2025
- Next president to be named in November, July 9, 2025
- Presidential search committee meets July 1 on campus, June 26, 2025
- Regents announce presidential search committee, search firm, June 12, 2025
- Forever true for ISU: President Wintersteen to retire in 2026, May 16, 2025
Chairs
- Meghan Gillette, president, Faculty Senate, and associate teaching professor, human development and family studies
- JC Risewick, member, Iowa Board of Regents
Committee Members
- Muhammad Azhan, president, Graduate and Professional Student Senate
- Colby Brandt, president, Student Government
- Robert Cramer, member, Iowa Board of Regents
- Tim Day, University Professor, biomedical sciences
- Cara Heiden, ISU alumnus and retired co-president, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
- Greta Rouse, president pro tem, Iowa Board of Regents
- Patrick Schnable, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences, agronomy
- Jennifer Schroeder, president-elect, Professional and Scientific Council, and Birch team supervisor, finance service delivery
- Kurt Tjaden, member, Iowa Board of Regents
- Roger Underwood, ISU alumnus and member of the board of directors, Pivot Bio
The Iowa Board of Regents is a group of nine citizens who govern three public higher educational institutions in the state through policymaking, coordination, and oversight, as provided by law. The Board's oversight is over Iowa's three public universities – the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa.
About AGB Search
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AGB Search LLC offers executive search, interim search, and compensation evaluation services exclusively for higher education institutions. Founded by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) in 2010, the firm has a deep understanding of the qualifications critical for effective higher education leadership. Its affiliation with AGB ensures clients receive access to valued governance resources and training, in addition to our highly regarded search services.
AGB Search’s Executive Search Consultants have extensive experience in higher education search, and many have served in college and university leadership positions. The firm's team of Associates and Research Associates expertly manage the search and vetting process, and the AGB Search staff serves as critical support to the search professionals.
