Erica Beirman, teaching professor in food science and human nutrition, to inaugural Nancy and Rich Degner Teaching Professor in Culinary Food Science
Erica Beirman, teaching professor in food science and human nutrition, to inaugural Nancy and Rich Degner Teaching Professor in Culinary Food Science
Iowa State University, platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, Mental Health America
For the second year in a row, Iowa State University has been awarded the platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being and illness prevention. Since 2019, the Bell Seal has recognized employers striving to create mentally healthy workplaces for their employees, and recognizes employer advances by awarding bronze, silver, gold and platinum seals. Just two in five employers meet the standards for Bell Seal certification. Iowa State underwent a rigorous evaluation of its policies and practices in four areas: workplace culture, benefits, compliance and wellness programs. Iowa State's platinum certification reflects achievement in these areas:
- Expansive employee growth opportunities.
- Competitive and mental health-friendly benefits packages.
- Emphasis on, and commitment to, work-life balance and employee well-being.
George Work, music and theatre, April 26
Professor of music (cello) George Work, music and theatre department, is retiring from the university. A reception will be held on Sunday, April 26 (4:30-6 p.m., lobby of Simon Estes Music Hall).
Printing services, In-Print Awards (4), In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association
Printing services recently won four awards in the 2026 In-Print contest hosted by the In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association, the only printing competition open to all in-plant printers. The contest recognizes gold, silver and bronze recipients in about 30 print categories. Printing services' awards and client products were:
- Gold (Direct Mail category): College of Engineering majors brochure
- Gold (Special Project: Inkjet/Dye Sublimation): Hilton Coliseum display case
- Bronze (Poster up to 24" x 36"): ISU Marching Band poster
- Bronze (Greeting card/program): Plant pathology, entomology and microbiology holiday postcard
Kelly Freel, Center for Industrial Research and Service, April 10
A retirement reception for Kelly Freel, the APEX Accelerator team lead at the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), will be held Friday, April 10 (3-5 p.m., first floor, Economic Development Core Facility, ISU Research Park). Freel will retire April 13 after nearly 22 years of service to Iowa State, split between procurement services and CIRAS.
Reiman Gardens, People's Choice Award, Iowa Tourism Office
Reiman Gardens received the 2026 People's Choice Award from the the Iowa Tourism Office, which is part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The award was voted on by attendees at Iowa Tourism's annual conference last week, from a set of nominees selected by Iowa Tourism staff to recognize partners that go above and beyond with projects that serve as inspiration to others and that didn't fit neatly into the other six award categories. Reiman Gardens also received one of the seven "You Rock" Geode Awards, which recognize organizations or professionals that have demonstrated dedication, creativity and positivity in their actions that changed their destination for the positive.
Sri Sritharan, Distinguished Educator Award, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute
Sri Sritharan, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor (civil engineering) and Wilkinson Chair of Interdisciplinary Engineering, recently received the Distinguished Educator Award from the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI). The award recognized his exceptional contributions to PCI's educational mission through his leadership in teaching, research and mentoring of future academic leaders and professionals in the field of precast and prestressed concrete.
Mike Oliver, plant services, ISU Dining, April 1
Mike Oliver, supervisor of plant services for ISU Dining, is retiring from the university on April 1 after 41 years of service.
Kim Adams, Dogwood team, Finance Service Delivery, April 1
Kim Adams, a grants finance specialist on the Dogwood team in Finance Service Delivery, is retiring April 1 after 41 years of service to Iowa State University. No public event is planned.
John Wageman, undergraduate student services, Ivy College of Business, April 2
John Wageman, classification officer in undergraduate student services, Ivy College of Business, will retire from the university April 2 after 11.5 years of service to the Ivy college.
Steven Harris, plant pathology, entomology and microbiology department chair, to second term
Steven Harris, chair of the department of plant pathology, entomology and microbiology, was reappointed to a second five-year term, effective April 1.
Jesse Rothweiler-Foster, data analyst, office of institutional research, to assistant director
Jesse Rothweiler-Foster, a data analyst in the office of institutional research since 2022, has been promoted to assistant director of the unit, effective March 9. She has helped guide the campus community through data transitions and build reporting tools to support informed decisions.
Lori Wildeman, Fir team, Finance Service Delivery, April 2
Lori Wildeman, a grants finance specialist on the Fir team, finance service delivery, is retiring from the university on April 2. No public event is planned; post well wishes to Lori's Kudoboard.
Barb Clawson, horticulture department, Golden Owl Award
Barb Clawson, student services specialist and adjunct associate professor in the department of horticulture, received a Golden Owl Award, presented by Nationwide and the Iowa FFA Foundation to agriculture educators who make outstanding efforts to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Mary McCarthy, to senior wellbeing coordinator, ISU WellBeing
Mary McCarthy, business development manager and training coordinator for Employee and Family Resources, Des Moines, has been named senior wellbeing coordinator of the ISU WellBeing program, university human resources.
Pappajohn Center: Excellence in Co-Curricular Innovation Award, U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship
The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship has received a 2026 Excellence in Co-Curricular Innovation Award from the U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. The national award recognizes outstanding, innovative co-curricular programming in entrepreneurship education. Specifically, Iowa State earned the award in this category for the College-by-College Pitch Competition.
Krysta Steckelberg, to executive assistant to the president
Krysta Steckelberg, executive assistant at BrainStorm Inc, American Fork, Utah, has been named executive assistant to the president, effective Feb. 25.
Matt Wiggins, treasurer's office, March 4
Matt Wiggins, cashier in the treasurer's office, is retiring March 4 after 31 years of service in different roles throughout the university. There is no public event planned, but if you worked with him in the past, feel free to stop by the treasurer's office, 0810 Beardshear, to wish him well in retirement.
Scott Smalley, professor of agricultural education and studies, to department chair
Scott Smalley, professor of agricultural education and studies, has been appointed to serve as department chair, effective April 1.
Read More about Scott Smalley, professor of agricultural education and studies, to department chair
Kelsey Hummer, Redwood team, Finance Service Delivery, Feb. 27
Kelsey Hummer, Redwood team supervisor in Finance Service Delivery, is leaving Iowa State after 13 years of service. Her last day will be Feb. 27. No public event is planned. Hummer will become senior director of gift accounting at the ISU Foundation.
Rosalyn Branaman, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, March 2
Rosalyn Branaman, a histology technician at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, will retire from the university on March 2 after 37 years of service to the VDL. No public event is planned.
Chris Cornelius, reappointed to the Dr. Thomas D. McGee and Dr. Ick-Jhin Rick Yoon Department Chair in Materials Science and Engineering
Chris Cornelius, the Dr. Thomas D. McGee and Dr. Ick-Jhin Rick Yoon Department Chair in Materials Science and Engineering, has been reappointed to a second five-year term (2026-31) as department chair.
Pete Lelonek, office of the vice president for research, Feb. 24
Pete Lelonek, research administrator with the office of the vice president for research, will retire on March 3, following 35 years of service to Iowa State University. A retirement reception will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24 (3:30-4:30 p.m., Molecular Biology Building atrium). Well wishes can be posted to his Kudoboard.
Lelonek has served as building supervisor for the Molecular Biology Building since its opening in 1992 and contributed to the building's design.
Brenda Martin, Center for Industrial Research and Service, Feb. 12
Brenda Martin, the business services director at the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), is retiring from Iowa State on Feb. 12 after nearly 23 years of service at CIRAS. Her professional experience spans more than 20 years in the food manufacturing industry. Her knowledge of industry trends, understanding of industry needs and connections throughout the university, state of Iowa and the MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership) National Network helped her match businesses with resources that contribute to their success. Leadership roles in manufacturing operations and as a corporate auditor add to her experience with workforce development, strategic planning and managing capital projects.
Kim Wyatt, Thielen Student Health Center, Feb. 10
Kim Wyatt, the insurance clerk at the Thielen Student Health Center, is retiring from the university. A reception will be held Tuesday, Feb. 10 (2-4 p.m. Patterson Library, Thielen Student Health Center).
Cindy Gannon, Extension and Outreach, Feb. 2
Cindy Gannon, advancement specialist for ISU Extension and Outreach, is retiring from Iowa State on Feb. 2 after nearly 15 years of service to extension. For the past 10 years, she has worked in communications for both advancement and county services as a valued advisor, coach and strategist. A reception will be held Monday, Feb. 2 (1-3 p.m., WOW Center, Extension 4-H Building).
Tracy Lucht, interim director of the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, to director
Tracy Lucht, interim director of the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, has been appointed to director, for a five-year term.
Vicky Thorland-Oster, electrical and computer engineering, Feb. 4
A retirement reception will be held Wednesday, Feb. 4 (2:30-4:30 p.m., 1133 Student Innovation Center), for Vicky Thorland-Oster, who is retiring from Iowa State after 35 years of service in a variety of roles. Most recently she serves as manager of student services advising in the electrical and computer engineering department, where she also advises undergraduate and graduate students. Well wishes can be added to her Kudoboard.
Tim Anderson, residence department, Feb. 3
Tim Anderson, a facilities mechanic in the department of residence, is retiring from the university after 35+ years of service. A reception will be held Tuesday, Feb. 3 (1-3 p.m., Great Room, Schilletter University Village Community Center, 2119 Edenburn Dr.).
Denny Richards, ISU Dining, Feb. 2
Denny Richards, a facilities mechanic in ISU Dining, is retiring from Iowa State on Feb. 2 after more than 44 years of service to the university. No public event is planned.
Lori Williams, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department, to inaugural emergency management program specialist, ISU Extension and Outreach
Lori Williams, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department, was appointed as the inaugural emergency management program specialist, ISU Extension and Outreach, effective Sept. 24, 2025.
Eric Anderson, University of Idaho, to associate director for career services, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Eric Anderson, associate director of employer relations, events and experiential learning for the University of Idaho career services, was appointed associate director for career services in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, effective Feb. 25.
Rick Sanders, ISU Research Park, to interim vice president for economic development and industry relations
Dr. Jessica Ward, veterinary clinical sciences, to associate dean for academic programs, College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Jessica Ward, professor of veterinary clinical sciences, Phyllis M. Clark Endowed Professor and, since April, interim associate dean for academic programs in the College of Veterinary Medicine, has been appointed associate dean for academic programs in the college.
Jessica Fincham, international students and scholars office, Jan. 2
Jessica Fincham, a senior immigration specialist in the international students and scholars office, is leaving Iowa State for a new position. Her final day will be Jan. 2. No public event is planned, but well wishes may be posted to her Kudoboard.
Michael Persia, Virginia Tech University, to director of the Egg Industry Center
Michael Persia, Virginia Tech University, to director of the Egg Industry Center, effective June 1, 2026
Stephanie Downs, ISU WellBeing, Jan. 6
Stephanie Downs, senior WorkLife and wellbeing coordinator in university human resources, is retiring from the university on Jan. 6 after 11 years of service to pursue new opportunities in well-being and development. No public event is planned; post well wishes to her digital group card.
Anna Rovid Spickler, Center for Food Security and Public Health, Jan. 7
Anna Rovid Spickler, lead public health veterinarian at the Center for Food Security and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, is retiring from the university on Jan. 7, 2026. No public event is planned.
Deb Jennings, IT Services, Jan. 5
Deb Jennings, a clerk in IT Services administration, is retiring from the university on Jan. 5, 2026, after 30 years of service. A public event is not planned.
Doug Russo: International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame
Doug Russo, certified journeyman farrier in the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, has been named to the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame. He is only the third Iowa farrier to be inducted into the hall of fame. He will be formally inducted at the Hoof Care Summit in Cincinnati in February.
Tammy Michel, office of the president, Jan. 2
Tammy Michel, budget and finance specialist in the office of the president, is retiring from Iowa State on Jan. 2, 2026. No public event is planned.
Renee Novak, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Jan. 2
Renee Novak, a quality assurance specialist at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, is retiring from the university on Jan. 2, 2026. No public event is planned.
Jo Min, industrial and manufacturing systems engineering, Dec. 31
Jo Min, associate professor in the industrial and manufacturing systems engineering department and the John B. Slater Fellow in Sustainable Design & Manufacturing, is retiring Dec. 31 after 36 years of service to the university. A private reception was held in November.
Joel Geske, Greenlee School, Dec. 31
Joel Geske, associate professor in the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, will retire from the university on Dec. 31. No public event is planned.
David Wong, chair of veterinary clinical sciences, reappointed
David Wong, professor and chair of veterinary clinical sciences, was reappointed to a second five-year term as department chair.
Read More about David Wong, chair of veterinary clinical sciences, reappointed
Angela Powers, Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, Dec. 20
Angela Powers, professor in the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, is retiring from the university at the end of fall semester after 35 years in higher education. She served as the first female director of the Greenlee school (2017-19). A public event is not planned.
Fran Sobotka, kinesiology and health, Dec. 17
A retirement reception for Fran Sobotka, administrative assistant in the kinesiology and health department, will be held Wednesday, Dec. 17 (2-4 p.m., 0213 Forker). Sobotka will retire from Iowa State on Jan. 2, 2026.
Nora Hudson, recreation services, Dec. 12
A retirement reception for Nora Hudson, assistant director for fitness, recreation services, will be held Friday, Dec. 12 (2-4 p.m., remarks at 2:30 p.m., 0185 State Gym). Hudson is retiring from the university Jan. 5, 2026, after 17 years of service.
Brenda Emery, food science and human nutrition, Dec. 10
Brenda Emery, a graduate student services specialist in the food science and human nutrition department, is retiring. A reception will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 10 (3-5 p.m., program at 3:30 p.m., Culinary Discovery Lab, 2379 Food Sciences Building).
President Wendy Wintersteen, Dec. 4
A reception honoring President Wendy Wintersteen and Robert Waggoner will be held Thursday, Dec. 4 (3-6:30 p.m., program at 3:30 p.m., MU Great Hall). Wintersteen will retire from the university presidency on Jan. 2, 2026.