Editor’s note: This is the first in a five-part series examining former ISU President Martin Jischke’s departure. Martin Jischke left Iowa State about a week ago to take over as president at Purdue University but not without a bit of sentiment for the memories of his nearly 10 years in Ames. “My greatest sense of satisfaction is that Iowa State overall is a better university than it was 10 years ago,” the former ISU president said. “We’ve had improvements in enrollment of talented students, minority students, quality of faculty and facilities, and it all comes together to make Iowa State a better university.” At midnight on Aug. 13, Jischke became president of Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. His decision to leave Iowa State was announced in a press conference May 23. The Board of Regents named Richard Seagrave, distinguished professor of chemical engineering, as interim president. Seagrave was interim provost last year. Jischke, who served as president at Iowa State for nine and a half years, said he was drawn to Purdue by its recruiting persistence and many opportunities. “I believe I said `no’ to them on four different occasions, but their persistence had a significant impact,” he said. “When they described the responsibilities they envision for the new president, it became very attractive.” Jischke signed a five-year, $325,000-per-year contract with Purdue and will become the 10th president in Purdue’s history, replacing Steven C. Beering. Jischke’s salary will be $95,000 more per year than he earned at Iowa State. Recent protests about conflicts of interest and a petition asking the regents to evaluate Jischke had “absolutely no influence” on his decision to leave, he said. It was time for him and his wife, Patty, to move on, Jischke said. “It was a propitious time in our lives,” he said. “Both of our children have left home; we’re empty nesters. We served at Iowa State for over nine years and accomplished a great deal.” Thomas Hill, vice president for Student Affairs, said Jischke’s departure will not cause operational problems. “Clearly he’ll be missed, but I don’t anticipate us missing a beat,” he said. “Anytime you have a leadership change at the top, it’s going to affect some things, but Seagrave will do a fantastic job.” “We’d be in a much more tenuous situation, but because of his [Seagrave] knowledge and experience at Iowa State, we are in excellent shape,” Hill said. “Seagrave stepped in and is steering the ship.” Warren Madden, vice president for Business and Finance, said Iowa State currently is running smoothly under its new leadership. “We’ve had record enrollment and a good summer,” Madden said. “We’ve made a lot of progress on buildings and repairs, and start-up is going as well as anyone can remember.” Madden said he is sorry to see Jischke leave but is confident for the future. “Dr. Jischke made a great contribution at Iowa State during his time here,” Madden said. “He made some very positive changes and I enjoyed the opportunity to work with him. Anytime there is an administration change at that level, a university reinvigorates and reinvents itself.” Iowa State announced the naming of the Martin C. Jischke Honors Building earlier in the summer. “I am unbelievably humbled and honored, extremely honored to have a building named after me, and the honors building in particular,” Jischke said. “When I first heard, I was literally speechless – and I’m usually never speechless.” After serving as Purdue’s president for a week, Jischke said he was met with enthusiasm but expects some conflicts. “No doubt there will be issues of interest to the students,” he said. “This may be cause to have some excitement in the air, and talented students ask sometimes hard questions, but that is the nature of a university.” After becoming familiar with Purdue, Jischke said he hopes to begin making improvements. “The Board of Trustees and I expect this to become a better university,” he said. Jischke said he and his wife will miss Iowa State. “The time we spent at Iowa State were wonderful years for us, both professionally and personally,” he said. “A piece of our hearts remains at Iowa State, and I hope the best days are ahead.” Jischke said the change of location won’t affect his athletic loyalties. “Provided ISU isn’t playing Purdue, I’ll still be cheering for the Cyclones,” he said.