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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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."
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tenured faculty recipients: 2025 Pomerantz development award
Seven Iowa State faculty have received a 2025 award from the Marvin A. Pomerantz Endowment for Faculty Enrichment, created in 1992 to recognize tenured faculty and provide additional support for their work. The $5,000 awards will be used to further their activities in research, teaching, service, professional practice, and extension and outreach. The recipients are:
- Steve Butler, Morrill Professor, mathematics
- Andrew Crecelius, associate professor, marketing
- Amanda Kreuder, associate professor, veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine
- Jeongeun Lee, associate professor, human development and family studies
- Gretchen Mosher, professor, agricultural and biosystems engineering
- Alenka Poplin, associate professor, urban planning and development
- Anupam Sharma, professor, aerospace engineering
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.
Breaking Barriers sculpture: CODAaward
Breaking Barriers, artist Ian Toth Depeña's bronze and concrete sculpture located in Albaugh Family Plaza near the north entrance of Jack Trice Stadium, has received a 2025 CODAaward in the education category, presented by CODAworx, an international community for those involved in the commissioned art industry. The awards honor projects that "most successfully integrate commissioned art into the interior, architectural, public space."
Iowa State University: 'Ignition School' recognition
Iowa State University is No. 47 on the 2025 Ignition Schools list, compiled by the Fast Company and Inc. business magazines, to celebrate postsecondary institutions that are driving measurable impact in entrepreneurship and innovation. Now in its second year, the list honors 50 institutions worldwide following an evaluation process that looks at metrics such as alumni entrepreneurship rates, the strength of incubators and accelerators, research commercialization success, and the university's role in driving economic growth. Iowa State earned its place for its hands-on, community-driven approach to entrepreneurship education, connecting students, faculty and industry partners through cross-disciplinary programming.
Judi Eyles: Legacy Award, Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers
Judi Eyles, director of the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, received the Legacy Award from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers. The award, one of the consortium's highest distinctions, recognizes individuals whose work has created enduring, transformational impact in advancing entrepreneurship within universities. Eyles has been a cornerstone of Iowa State's entrepreneurial ecosystem since 1996, when she joined the newly founded Pappajohn Center. She has served as director since 2017.
Trond Forre, scientific glassblower, chemistry, Oct. 17
A retirement reception for Trond Forre, scientific glassblower in the chemistry department, will be held Friday, Oct. 17 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 1605 Gilman). Post well wishes to Trond's Kudoboard.
Ben Vinar, assistant director of trademark licensing, to director
Ben Vinar, assistant director of trademark licensing was appointed director, effective Oct. 1. Vinar succeeds Leesha Arunsiripate Zimmerman who retired after more than 30 years at the university.
Dr. Pat Gorden: Zoetis Distinguished Service Award, American Association of Bovine Practioners
Dr. Pat Gorden, professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine, is the 2025 recipient of the Zoetis Distinguished Service Award from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. The award recognizes an individual who, through long and continued service, has promoted the association's goals and whose accomplishments have served as a model for service to bovine agriculture through organized veterinary medicine. More.
Toyia Younger: Pillar of the Profession, NASPA Foundation
Senior vice president for student affairs Toyia Younger is a 2026 recipient of a Pillar of the Profession (video) award given out by NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. The award recognizes exemplary members of the student affairs and higher education community who give back to NASPA by their leadership and build a lasting legacy in the field of student affairs and/or higher education.
Keith Kutz, office of sponsored programs administration, Oct. 3
Keith Kutz, a senior award administrator in the office of sponsored programs administration, is retiring from the university. A reception will be held Friday, Oct. 3 (2-4 p.m., remarks at 3 p.m., MU Cardinal Room). Post well wishes to Keith's Kudoboard.
Leesha Arunsiripate Zimmerman, trademark office, Oct. 1
Leesha Arunsiripate Zimmerman, director of trademark licensing, is retiring from the university on Oct. 1. No public event is planned; post well wishes to her Kudoboard.
Iowa State University: WELCOA Well Workplace Award
Iowa State University has been recognized by the Wellness Alliance with the WELCOA Well Workplace Silver Award for its commitment to employee health and well-being. ISU is one of just two universities to receive the honor in 2025. The Well Workplace Award evaluates companies and organizations across seven critical benchmarks -- such as leadership, health-promoting policies and practices, a clear operating plan and results-oriented wellness initiative. Iowa State's innovative programs, commitment to continuous improvement, and investment in employee wellness were key factors in earning this recognition.
The Wellness Alliance is a joint effort of the Wellness Council of America and the National Wellness Institute.
Nancy Grudens-Schuck, Sept. 12
Excite! Open House, Sept. 4
Showcase: Graduate Career Exploration Program, Sept. 9
Read More about Showcase: Graduate Career Exploration Program, Sept. 9
Research Project Management Council meeting, Sept. 9
Read More about Research Project Management Council meeting, Sept. 9
Apple open house, Horticulture Research Station, Sept. 13
Read More about Apple open house, Horticulture Research Station, Sept. 13
Center for Communication Excellence celebration, Sept. 15
Read More about Center for Communication Excellence celebration, Sept. 15
Lucas Heitkamp, U.S. Senate, to associate director of federal relations
Read More about Lucas Heitkamp, U.S. Senate, to associate director of federal relations
Dedication: Warren Madden Building, Sept. 19
Read More about Dedication: Warren Madden Building, Sept. 19
Lisa Schulte Moore, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agricultural and Life Sciences, to director of the Bioeconomy Institute
Xianglan Bai and Mark Mba Wright, mechanical engineering; and Andy VanLoocke, agronomy, to associate director posts in the Bioeconomy Institute
Jacqueline Shanks, chemical and biological engineering, Sept. 5
Jackie Shanks, Manley R. Hoppe Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering, has retired after more than 25 years of service to Iowa State. Submissions for inclusion in a memory book may be sent to Elaine Smuck before Sept. 1.
Read More about Jacqueline Shanks, chemical and biological engineering, Sept. 5
Jeff Johnson, ISU Alumni Association, Sept. 5
A public open house to honor Jeffery Johnson's Sept. 1 retirement from leading the ISU Alumni Association will be held Friday, Sept. 5 (3-6 p.m., remarks from Jeff at 4 p.m., Alumni Center). Colleagues and friends also are invited to sign a Kudoboard for Jeff as he concludes nearly 26 years of service. Coffee, tea and light appetizers will be served. All are welcome; Cyclone gear is encouraged.
Dave Brotherson, Timothy Burgess and Jim Hurley, IT Services, Sept. 5
A retirement reception on Friday, Sept. 5 (noon-3 p.m., Maple Shelter, Brookside Park, 1326 Sixth St.) will honor the careers of Timothy Burgess, student information systems; and Dave Brotherson and Jim Hurley, mainframe, database and applications; IT Services. The three colleagues also started at Iowa State on the same date 40 years ago.