Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen announces retirement plans

Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen announced Friday that she plans to retire early next year. In an email sent to the ISU community Wintersteen, who has worked at the university for more than 45 years and became the university’s first female president in 2017, called her career a “fascinating journey.”“I am truly proud of Iowa State’s extraordinary faculty and staff for their remarkable performance these past years,” she said. “Perhaps most of all, I will miss the amazing energy, talent and potential of our Iowa State students.” Wintersteen said she has told members of the Iowa Board of Regents that she intends to retire in January 2026. “My husband, Robert, and I want to express our deep gratitude for all the faculty and staff who have helped and continue to help Iowa State University achieve and excel in its land-grant mission of education, research and Extension/outreach,” she said in the letter. “Your energy and enthusiasm for our ISU students, our research endeavors and the ‘Iowa State way’ of creating success shines brightly.”In a news release on the university’s website, officials touted innovation at ISU during Winterteen’s tenure, improved student outcomes, historic fundraising success and more. “Under President Wintersteen’s leadership, Iowa State’s reputation has soared, particularly in research growth, student outcomes and an emphasis on innovation,” Iowa Board of Regents President Sherry Bates said. “With her steady guidance, Iowa State has met and overcome many external challenges, including a derecho, an international pandemic and more.”The state of Iowa has been blessed to have an accomplished leader like Wendy Wintersteen leading this great land-grant university.”» Subscribe to KCCI’s YouTube page» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play