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. The eight semifinalists were identified only by numerals (23, 25, 32, 38, 43, 48, 49 and 72) since candidates' names will remain confidential through this phase of the search. Virtual interviews for the semifinalists tentatively are scheduled to be held Oct. 20-22, again in closed sessions. 

Following the virtual interviews, the committee will identify the number of finalists for on-campus interviews, to be held the week of Nov. 3. Each finalist will hold a public forum with the university community. The names of the finalists will be posted on the Iowa Board of Regents and the ISU Presidential Search websites 24 hours prior to their campus visit. 

The regents will interview each finalist in closed session at the ISU Alumni Center on Nov. 11. The board plans to announce a new president later that day. 

President Wendy Wintersteen announced in May that she would retire in January 2026. The search for the next president started in late July, and the committee accepted applications through mid-September. AGB Search is assisting with the selection process.