David Ringholz, associate professor and chair of the industrial design department, is one of two finalists in the search for the director of the Student Innovation Center that is currently under construction.

Ringholz spoke at an open forum Monday afternoon to students, faculty and board members about what his visions would be for the new center.

Ringholz said Iowa State already has a lot to be proud of, and the new innovation center’s goal will be to enhance this work.

Something Ringholz wanted to stress for himself or whoever gets the position is the importance that the center is a place for collaboration and innovation.

“Innovation is not owned by anyone, it’s something that when done correctly is an ecosystem that supports the behavior and supports the activity that we want to support and there’s tremendous amount of intelligence, ingenuity and dedication on campus,” Ringholz said.

Ringholz’s central idea for the Innovation Center is to bring all people to the table and have them share their ideas in a space where they feel protected and supported.

“Unite people around exciting ideas, protect them, and connect them to the outside world,” Ringholz said.

Ringholz received his bachelor degree in design studies from the University at Buffalo followed by his Masters of industrial design from North Carolina State University. He is currently the chair in industrial design as well as an associate professor and design administrator at Iowa State.

Since joining the faculty at Iowa State, Ringholz has establishing the industrial design program in the college of design.

“One of the things I try to do is put people in area of strength, put them in a position where they can thrive, and then lift them up,” Ringholz said. “I think if the people around me are successful then I am successful and that’s an attribution that I can bring to an administration position.”