Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen just dropped a bombshell today — she’s planning to call it quits and retire in January 2026. Wintersteen, who made history as the first woman and second ISU alum to take on the role of president back in 2017, has been a pivotal figure in the university for the past 46 years. In a statement released to the press, Wintersteen expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve ISU in various capacities and highlighted the exceptional performance of the faculty and staff during her tenure. She also mentioned that she will miss the dynamic energy, talent, and potential of the students at Iowa State.
The Board of Regents is set to convene a virtual meeting on Monday to discuss the formation of a search committee tasked with finding a suitable replacement for Wintersteen. This decision marks the beginning of a new chapter for Iowa State University, as they embark on the journey to find a new leader who can continue the legacy left behind by Wintersteen. The search for a new president will undoubtedly be a challenging process, but the Board of Regents is committed to finding the right person for the job.
As Wintersteen prepares to step down from her role as president, the ISU community is left wondering about the future of the university and who will fill the big shoes she leaves behind. With her retirement on the horizon, the focus now shifts to finding a leader who can build upon Wintersteen’s accomplishments and lead Iowa State University into a new era of excellence. The search for a new president is sure to be met with anticipation and excitement, as the ISU community eagerly awaits the announcement of who will take on the prestigious role next.
