A complete fleet

September 22

The Indian Delights food truck will resume service next week at its location south of Hoover Hall, restoring to eight the number of private vendor food trucks serving this fall at Iowa State. They are:

• West campus: Eat It, Indian Delights 
• Carver Hall plaza: Cheese Steak Factory, Macubana
• East campus (near Kildee Hall): B Fabulous BBQ, Burgies, Carlos' Quesadillas, Finley's Beastro 

Port, Mendez-Shannon named to new diversity and inclusion posts

By Diana Pounds
September 22

Two new posts have been filled in the office of the vice president for diversity and inclusion. Nicci Port, who has served in several Iowa State positions over the past 15 years, will become project director for diversity and inclusion in LGBTQA+* affairs, beginning Oct. 3. Liz Mendez-Shannon, associate professor at Metropolitan State University, Denver, will join Iowa State as project director for diversity and inclusion in Hispanic/Latino affairs on Nov. 1.

Reginald Stewart, who became Iowa State's first VP for diversity and inclusion last December, said the two new positions in his office, together with other recent hires, signify an earnest effort to improve the university climate.

"All too often campuses hire a cabinet-level diversity and inclusion executive and make them an office of one," he said. "President Leath, from the very beginning, indicated that this would not be the case at Iowa State University.

"I believe diversity and inclusion offices should employ a team-based approach because no one person has all of the lenses and filters needed to do this work. Both Liz and Nicci bring unique talents to the department and, in collaboration with Fatma [Bachelani] in our front office and Margo [Foreman] in equal opportunity, we have made significant progress in building the team in our first nine months. We anticipate future growth as we identify areas that require attention in moving ISU forward."

LGBTQA+ affairs

In her new post, Port will focus on issues that are important to the LGBTQA+ community and support ISU’s efforts to develop and sustain a more inclusive environment.

Port currently is an administrative specialist in Iowa State's College of Human Sciences. She also served as coordinator of outreach and student assistance in the dean of students office and Helser Hall director in the residence department.

Port earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education (1995) from the University of Northern Iowa and attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she studied counseling and student personnel.

Hispanic/Latino affairs

Mendez-Shannon will provide outreach and support to students, faculty and staff with an emphasis on Hispanic, Latino, Latinx and other targeted underrepresented populations.

Mendez-Shannon most recently served as an associate professor in social work at Metropolitan State.  She also has been involved in social work, training staff and implementing projects to benefit children in Harlem, New York, and leading therapeutic approaches to children and families affected by the 9/11 disaster.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology (1990) and a master's degree in social work (1996), both from Hunter College, New York; and a doctorate in social work (2010) from the University of Iowa.

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* LGBTQA+  stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Asexual/Aromantic, Allies and Advocates (and the A also can mean All)

Quick-stop survey is important to CyRide's future

By Diana Pounds
September 22

Soon, you can help CyRide build a better transit system simply by making a quick stop on your trek across campus. CyRide consultants will hold "pop-up" meetings at busy spots on campus and several locations in Ames during the first few weeks of October.

The consultants will hand out a very short survey, which you can fill out on the spot and move on. But if you have the time and more to say, the CyRide reps will be happy to hear from you. A link to a more detailed online survey will be available.

Campus input is vital

"We encourage all students, faculty and staff to take time to complete the pop-up meeting survey and to take the more detailed online survey," said CyRide transit director Sheri Kyras. "We're doing this study to determine if the current routes and schedules are the most efficient way to serve the nearly 7 million rides provided annually."

Kyras said student input is extremely important, "as students comprise 93 percent of the transit system riders."

However, she added that even those who've never used CyRide can help.

"This is the community's transit system," she said. "We're all invested in it and should have a say in how it operates."

Details on the pop-ups soon

More information on the locations for the pop-up meetings and the online survey link will be listed in Inside Iowa State and on CyRide's homepage, Twitter and Facebook accounts, and e-notification system in early October.

Searches underway for associate VP posts in student affairs

By Erin Rosacker
September 22

Committees are moving forward with a pair of top-level position searches in the student affairs division. The Spelman Johnson consulting firm is assisting with both national searches.

Enrollment management, student success

Associate provost and Graduate College dean David Holger is chairing the committee tasked with finding an associate vice president for enrollment management and student success. The position will oversee the admissions, enrollment research, registrar and student financial aid units, along with learning communities, federal TRiO programs and student affairs technology systems.

Applications and nominations for the position will be accepted through Sept. 30. Campus interviews, which will include public forums, are targeted for Nov. 3-11.

Dean of students

Residence department director Pete Englin is leading the committee in search of an associate vice president and dean of students. The expanded position oversees 14 units within the dean of students office, as well as the office of international students and scholars.

Applications and nominations are due Oct. 15. Campus interviews and public forums are tentatively scheduled for Nov. 28-Dec. 2.

 

Related stories

• Responsiveness drives new student affairs leadership structure, Aug. 11, 2016

University award recipients to be honored Sept. 26

September 22

Fifty Iowa State employees, recipients of the 2016 university-wide awards, will be recognized during an afternoon ceremony on Monday, Sept. 26 (3:30 p.m., MU Great Hall). The group includes nine faculty members who have received the title of Distinguished, University or Morrill professor, titles they keep for the duration of their service at Iowa State.

President Steven Leath; senior vice presidents Jonathan Wickert, Martino Harmon and Kate Gregory; and vice presidents Sarah Nusser, Mike Crum and Cathann Kress will present the awards.

The university community is invited to honor its colleagues and their accomplishments. A reception will follow the awards ceremony. Following is the list of awards to be presented.

Distinguished Professor

The title of Distinguished Professor, first awarded in 1956, is the highest academic honor the university bestows. It recognizes a faculty member whose accomplishments in research or creative activities have had a significant impact on his or her discipline, and who has demonstrated outstanding performance in at least one other area of faculty responsibility. Nominees must hold the rank of professor and have served for at least five years prior to the current year on the Iowa State faculty. The awardee retains the title for the remainder of his or her career at the university.

Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering

• Surya Mallapragada, Carol Vohs Johnson Chair in Chemical and Biological Engineering
• James McCalley, professor of electrical and computer engineering, Jack London Chair in Power Systems Engineering

Clarence Hartley Covault Distinguished Professor in Veterinary Medicine

• Richard Martin, professor of biomedical sciences

Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences

• Gene Takle, Pioneer Hi-Bred Agronomy Professor

University Professor

The title of University Professor is awarded to a faculty member who has acted as a change agent by having made significant contributions to improve the university, and who has demonstrated outstanding performance in at least one other area of faculty responsibility. Nominees must hold the rank of professor and have served for at least 10 years prior to the current year on the Iowa State faculty. The awardee retains the title for the remainder of his or her career at the university.

• Ann Marie Fiore, professor of apparel, events and hospitality management
• Peter Martin, professor of human development and family studies
• Lynn Paxson, professor of architecture

Morrill Professor

The title of Morrill Professor is conferred on a faculty member who has exhibited excellence in undergraduate or graduate teaching or extension and outreach programs, and who has demonstrated outstanding performance in at least one other area of faculty responsibility. Nominees must hold the rank of professor and have served for at least five years prior to the current year on the Iowa State faculty. The awardee retains the title for the remainder of his or her career at the university.

• Thomas Leslie, Pickard Chilton Professor of Architecture
• Jan Thompson, professor of natural resource ecology and management

Regents Award for Faculty Excellence

The award is presented by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, to recognize tenured faculty members who are outstanding university citizens and who have rendered significant service to the university or the state of Iowa.

• Hector Avalos, professor of philosophy and religious studies
• Elisabeth Huff Lonergan, professor of animal science 
• Kevin Schalinske, professor of food science and human nutrition
• Daniel Russell, professor of human development and family studies
• L. Keith Woo, professor of chemistry

Regents Award for Staff Excellence

The award is presented by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, to recognize members of either the Professional and Scientific or Supervisory and Confidential staffs who are outstanding university citizens and who have rendered significant service to the university or the state of Iowa.

• Sarah Bade, assistant scientist, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
• Renee Harris, administrative specialist, department of chemistry
• Robert Steffes, program manager, Institute for Transportation
• Jeanne Stewart, assistant scientist, Nutrition and Wellness Research Center

Iowa State University Award for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching

The award recognizes a faculty member for outstanding teaching performance over an extended period of time.

• Anne Clem, senior lecturer, department of accounting; Elaine R. Everson Teaching Fellow
• Steven Lonergan, professor of animal science

James Huntington Ellis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Introductory Teaching

Established by a 1928 Iowa State graduate, the award recognizes a faculty member for exceptional achievement in teaching introductory courses.

• Rachel Meyers, assistant professor of classical studies

Iowa State University Award for Early Achievement in Teaching

The award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding teaching performance unusually early in his or her career.

• Lisa Orgler, lecturer, department of horticulture
• Alejandro Ramirez, associate professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine

Margaret Ellen White Graduate Faculty Award

Established by a long-time staff member of the Graduate College, the award recognizes superior performance by a member of the graduate faculty in enriching the student-professor relationship and enabling students to finish their work in a timely and scholarly manner.

• Basil Nikolau, Frances M. Craig Professor of Biochemistry

Iowa State University Award for Departmental Leadership

The award recognizes outstanding departmental leadership that helps faculty members meet their complex obligations to undergraduate teaching, graduate mentoring, research and service.

• Kristen Constant, Morrill Professor and chair, department of materials science and engineering; Wilkinson Professor of Interdisciplinary Engineering

Iowa State University Award for Early Achievement in Departmental Leadership

The award recognizes the exceptional impact of a department chair or school director within the first three years of his or her leadership role.

• Chad Gasta, professor and chair, department of world languages and cultures

International Service Award

The award recognizes a faculty member for outstanding international service in teaching, research or administration within the United States or abroad.

• Dorothy Masinde, lecturer, department of horticulture

Iowa State University Award for Academic Advising Impact

The award recognizes outstanding performance by an academic adviser over an extended period of time.

• Stephanie Larson, academic adviser, College of Business
• Howard Tyler, assistant dean for student services, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; professor of animal science

Iowa State University Award for Early Achievement in Academic Advising

The award recognizes outstanding performance by an academic adviser early in his or her career.

• Ruxandra Looft, academic adviser, department of world languages and cultures

Iowa State University Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research

The award recognizes a tenured faculty member who has a national or international reputation for contributions in research, and who has influenced the research activities of students.

• Bryony Bonning, professor of entomology
• Valery Levitas, Schaefer Professor of Engineering, department of aerospace engineering

Iowa State University Award for Mid-Career Achievement in Research

The award recognizes a tenured or tenure-track faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary research performance or scholarship accomplishments as documented by peers or experts in the field.

• Anna Johnson, associate professor of animal science
• Aaron Sadow, professor of chemistry

Iowa State University Award for Early Achievement in Research

The award recognizes a tenured or tenure-track faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments unusually early in his or her professional career.

• Stephanie Hansen, associate professor of animal science
• Jianqiang Zhang, assistant professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine

Professional and Scientific Research Award

The award recognizes a P&S staff member employed at Iowa State for at least five years for excellence in research.

• Zhiliang Hu, associate scientist, department of animal science

Iowa State University Award for Achievement in Intellectual Property

The award recognizes individuals or teams of faculty or professional and scientific staff for outstanding university-based achievements in producing intellectual property.

• Matt Darr, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering

Iowa State University Award for Achievement in Economic Development in Iowa

The award recognizes individuals or teams of faculty or professional and scientific staff for outstanding university-based achievements in advancing the state of Iowa's economic development.

• Kevin Kimle, senior lecturer, department of economics; Bruce Rastetter Chair in Agricultural Entrepreneurship; director of the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative

Professional and Scientific Excellence Award

The award recognizes contributions made by a P&S staff member within and beyond the university and career progress demonstrated by accomplishments at Iowa State.

• Karen Colbert, program coordinator, department of human development and family studies
• Larry Tranel, dairy field specialist, ISU Extension and Outreach
• Douglas Wood, associate scientist, department of civil, construction and environmental engineering

Carroll Ringgenberg Award

Named for a long-time staff member in purchasing and facilities, the award recognizes an extraordinary professional and scientific staff member who exhibits constant and contagious dedication to and goodwill for Iowa State University.

• Nicci Port, administrative specialist, College of Human Sciences administration

Professional and Scientific Outstanding New Professional Award

The award recognizes a P&S staff member who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments unusually early in his or her professional career.

• Sunghwan Kim, assistant scientist, Institute for Transportation; associate director, Program for Sustainable Pavement Engineering and Research
• Melissa Miller, associate director, Iowa Water Center
• Meredith Williams, career coordinator/recruiting coordinator, College of Business career services

Iowa State University Award for Distinguished Service in Extension

The highest award bestowed on an Extension professional, it recognizes sustained distinguished performance and educational contributions to Iowa State's clientele through Extension programs.

• Denise Schwab, beef field specialist, ISU Extension and Outreach

Iowa State University Award for Outstanding Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice

The award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated outstanding performance in statewide leadership in extension or professional practice, and who has achieved national recognition for outreach activities.

• Dan Morrical, professor of animal science; sheep specialist, ISU Extension and Outreach

Iowa State University Award for Early Achievement in Extension or Professional Practice

The award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in extension or professional practice unusually early in his or her career.

• Jon Wolseth, community development field specialist, ISU Extension and Outreach

Iowa State University R.K. Bliss Extension Award

Named for the director of Extension from 1912 to 1946, the award recognizes outstanding achievement of an Extension staff member for developing an overall or continuing extension education program.

• Robert Dodds, assistant vice president, ISU Extension and Outreach

 

Marston art was a campus effort

By Erin Rosacker
September 22

Artist Norie Sato's third and latest campus installation dangles above the east entrance of the College of Engineering's newly reopened Marston Hall. "The Fifth Muse" -- aptly named to complement the four iconic limestone sculptures that grace the facade of the 113-year-old building -- resembles a mobile, with individually designed mixed-media objects suspended from two interconnected wheel-shaped stainless steel pieces. 

Sato wasn't the only contributor to the artwork, which was fabricated, assembled and installed with the help of the University of Northern Iowa's public art incubator. Iowa State students, faculty and staff helped create pieces of the sculpture -- with many of them produced in campus labs and manufacturing facilities.

Campus contributors include:

• Boyd Lab, Sandy Bremer, space coordinator; and Josh DeLarm, teaching lab coordinator (mechanical engineering)
• Student Innovation Center Laboratory waterjet cutting service, Rob Hartmann, teaching lab coordinator (agricultural and biosystems engineering)
• Rapid Manufacturing and Prototyping Laboratory, Matt Frank, associate professor (industrial and manufacturing systems engineering)
• Frank Peters, associate professor (industrial and manufacturing systems engineering)
• Make to Innovate (M:2:I), Matthew Nelson, program coordinator; and Christine Nelson, teaching lab associate (aerospace engineering)
• Wind Simulation and Testing Laboratory, Andrew Jordan, teaching lab associate (aerospace engineering)
• Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), Chris Hill, program manager
• Chemistry glass shop, Trond Forre, scientific glassblower (chemistry department)
• Jennifer Nieland, systems support specialist (College of Design)
• Tom Bos, graduate student (industrial design)
• Frederick Koke, graduate student (mechanical engineering)
• Joel Lanus, alum
• Christian Wehr, alum

Sato's other campus artworks are located in Hach Hall ("e+l+e+m+e+n+t+a+l") and the Palmer Building ("One, Now All"). "Elements of Wonder," an exhibit of her creative process is on display in the Christian Petersen Art Museum, Morrill Hall, through through Dec. 16. Sato's work also will be featured in University Museums' Oct. 12 Artwalk. Participants should plan to meet at noon in the Palmer Building.