“I don’t see myself leaving Iowa State at all,” said Elizabeth Hoffman, executive vice president and provost. “I love Iowa State. I will always be a Cyclone. I just thought of this as an interesting, new opportunity.”

Hoffman said she wasn’t actively seeking new job opportunities when a search firm for the presidential position at the University of New Mexico contacted her.

Hoffman said New Mexico offers several opportunities for her to help students.

She said the University of New Mexico is having some issues with graduation rates.

Hoffman also spoke about her opportunity to lead the strategic planning process at Iowa State, something that the University of New Mexico is lacking.

“I lead the strategic planning process here. It was very productive. It was very inclusive. It gave the campus a chance to come together to talk about the changing of the university,” Hoffman said.

She said the university has some distinct communities, including a Native American community and a Hispanic community that can be traced back to the 1600s.

“It’s a very interesting, different environment. I like exciting challenges,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman is currently one of five finalists for the job, but Hoffman said if she were to leave, a transition should go smoothly.

“I think first of all, we’ve got a really good new president coming in. He spends quite a bit of time here. … I think this is his third visit back to campus, so he’s getting up to speed. If I were to take this job, my understanding is I wouldn’t start until this summer. I would be able to continue to be in this position and provide assistance with a search,” Hoffman said.

She said it would also give Leath the opportunity to hire a new provost.

“Not that he’s asked for that, or not that I wouldn’t continue [here] … but there are really good people on campus who could do that,” Hoffman said. “I think a transition would be very smooth. This university is in a very good state financially, enrollment is up and the relationship with the state is good.”

Hoffman will be interviewing for the job on Friday. 

Warren Madden, vice president of business and finance, said losing Hoffman would be sad.

“Betsy has been a very productive provost, and has been very instrumental in challenging budget times,” Madden said.

Madden said that if Hoffman were to leave, it would be a new direction for the university. 

He reiterated that it would be a chance for Leath to pick a new provost that would fit with his plans for the university but said it would be a definite ending to an era.