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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
ISU Research Park: Distinguished Community of Innovation of the Year
The Iowa State University Research Park received the Distinguished Community of Innovation of the Year award from the Association of University Research Parks. The award recognizes ecosystems that are "driving the journey of research translations from concept to market and creating measurable impact."
Sharron Evans, dean of students office, division of student affairs, Dec. 12
A farewell reception for Sharron Evans, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, will be held Friday, Dec. 12 (3-5 p.m., program at 3:30 p.m., South Ballroom, Memorial Union). Evans will become vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Her last day at Iowa State will be Jan. 2, 2026.
The Dean of Students Office encompasses 13 departments and three programs supporting student success, community building and wellbeing. Under her leadership, the staff made significant progress on a holistic approach to student learning, advancing first-generation student support through the establishment of the First Scholars Office, strengthening emergency student support initiatives and enhancing partnerships across campus and the Ames community.
Steve Mickelson, agricultural and biosystems engineering, Dec. 2
A retirement reception for Steve Mickelson, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and special advisor to the provost, will be held Tuesday, Dec. 2 (2-4 p.m., remarks at 2:15 p.m., atrium, Sukup Hall). Post well wishes to his Kudoboard.
Lori Bushore, student services, College of Engineering, Dec. 1
Lori Bushore, administrative assistant in the student services office, College of Engineering, is retiring Dec. 1 after 38 years of service to the university.
Susie Johnson: Excellence in Volunteering Award
Susie Johnson, director of risk management, received the 2025 Jenny Whittington Excellence in Volunteering award from the University Risk Management and Insurance Association. The award recognizes association members who go above and beyond in their volunteer service or leadership at the association and promotion of its mission, vision and values. Whether online or in person, she volunteers in roles that address the needs of the association. She has served on the association’s board of directors since 2022, was elected president-elect in July and will serve as president in 2026-27.
Greg Dingel: National placement for Veenker junior golf team
In the 17U age group, the Veenker All-Stars finished seventh at the 2025 PGA Jr. League Championship Oct. 23-26 in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. One of just 12 teams to qualify for the championship, the group is coached by Greg Dingel, general manager and director of golf at Iowa State's Veenker Memorial Golf Course. Among 600,000 young golfers nationally who participate in the league, 96 compete on the final weekend. Dingel introduced the junior league golf program at Veenker in 2014, as featured in a PGA of America story.
Mary Schott: 40 Women to Watch in Iowa's Hospitality Industry
Mary Schott, associate director of IT, menu management and nutritional services for ISU Dining, has been named one of the Iowa Restaurant Association's 40 Women to Watch in Iowa's Hospitality Industry for 2025. The program celebrates the contributions of women to Iowa’s hospitality community and their strength and vision for the future of hospitality across the state. Schott oversees systems that manage more than 10,000 recipes across 23 dining locations and nutritional services for students with special dietary needs. In 2022, her team earned software provider CBORD's national Visionary Award for innovation in dining technology.
ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic: National accreditation
The Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic has earned accreditation from the National Plant Diagnostic Network's core accreditation program, a recognition of the clinic's commitment to high-quality, reliable diagnostic services. The ISU clinic is one of only eight core accredited labs in the country. It provides diagnostic services for plant diseases, insect identification and other plant health issues. Iowans are encouraged to submit samples for analysis to support healthy crops, landscapes and ecosystems statewide.