White announces retirement

College of Human Sciences Dean Pam White has announced she will retire in July 2016.

White, a University Professor in food science and human nutrition, has served Iowa State for more than 40 years. She was interim dean of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences from 2003 to 2005, and served as interim dean of the newly formed College of Human Sciences on two occasions before becoming its permanent dean in 2009.

"Pam White is a tremendous scientist, educator and leader," said President Steven Leath. "She has guided the college through record growth, enhanced the reputation of our academic programs, and set a very high bar for her successor. Pam will be greatly missed by her colleagues, who have always appreciated her warmth and compassion."

National search

A national search for White's successor will begin immediately. The search committee will be co-chaired by Cathann Kress, vice president of Extension and Outreach and a faculty member in the School of Education, and Wendy Wintersteen, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, which co-administers the department of food science and human nutrition.

Senior vice president and provost Jonathan Wickert is soliciting nominations for the search committee, which will reflect the college's diversity of both people and programs. Suggestions should be sent to Wickert, wickert@iastate.edu, and Julie Johnston, jham@iastate.edu, by Friday, Sept. 11.

Achievements

White's accomplishments as dean include growing enrollment by 52 percent in the last 10 years, establishing the School of Education, increasing sponsored funding and distance education, and fully integrating Human Sciences Extension and Outreach into the college.

"It has been both a privilege and an honor to serve our students, faculty and staff in Human Sciences," White said. "I look forward to continuing to serve the college in the year ahead, and to make sure our next dean is able to hit the ground running."