The College of Agriculture has finally found a permanent leader.

Wendy Wintersteen, who was named interim dean for the school after Catherine Woteki resigned Aug. 1, was selected from a group of five finalists to be the next dean for the College of Agriculture.

“We’re very excited she accepted the position,” said Associate Provost Susan Carlson.

Carlson said the search committee gathered information and feedback about all the finalists and made a report to President Gregory Geoffroy, who selected Wintersteen.

“She has an exciting vision for the college,” Carlson said.

She said Wintersteen’s vision and knowledge of the college and agriculture were important to her selection.

“She is in charge of everything in the college,” Carlson said. “It’s a broad range of responsibilities.”

Such responsibilities include managing a large budget, overseeing research and reviewing curriculum and its recruitment extensions, she said.

Wintersteen said she has 25 years of knowledge of Iowa State and agriculture.

She said she also has a vision to enhance the student experience in the College of Agriculture.

Some of the enhancements include building study abroad opportunities, creating programs geared toward entrepreneurial opportunities and allowing students to work with researchers in the university, she said. For ISU Extension, she said there are plans to provide education to existing members of the agricultural community.

She said as the dean she must provide leadership and management for the college.