Jason Keith has started his first semester as senior vice president and provost with Iowa State University. Keith has also attended his first Faculty Senate and Board of Regents meetings.
According to previous reporting from the Daily, Keith was named the next senior vice president and provost in May and succeeded Jonathan Wickert, who held the position for 12 years.
Keith previously served as the dean of the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering at Mississippi State University and director of Mississippi State’s Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering.
Keith defined his new role as simple: “Simply put, I am responsible for student and faculty success, including the academic colleges, research, ISU Extension and Outreach, enrollment management and the University Library. The academic division also includes smaller (but really important!) units like Study Abroad and the University Honors Program,” Keith stated in a written statement to the Daily.
“What excites me about this role is the opportunity to work with students, faculty and staff across the entire breadth of our academic enterprise, from the Extension and Outreach staff who help Iowans dig out from floods and tornadoes, to the faculty who broaden students’ horizons in the classroom and the researchers who work to address our most vexing challenges,” Keith stated.
Keith said one of the reasons he joined Iowa State is because the university is one of the most forward-thinking institutions.
“I was attracted to Iowa State for several reasons,” Keith stated. “Our university is one of the most forward-thinking land-grant institutions in the country, with a long history of supporting students while also leading in cutting-edge research and sharing our scholarship with Iowans through Extension and Outreach. I also love that Iowa State embodies servant leadership – starting with President Wintersteen – and I look forward to doing my part as well.”
He also cited the positive impact he has had with his previous roles.
“I have been an undergraduate student, graduate student, teaching assistant, professor, department chair, dean and now provost,” Keith stated. “Along the way, I would like to think I have been successful in bringing colleagues together to serve students in new and innovative ways, and to contribute in any way we can to their success […] I also have considerable experience in working on and with institutional strategic plans, and am enthusiastic for the opportunity to support Iowa State’s plan: A Dynamic, Innovative Journey.”
Keith stated much of his current work is focused on soliciting feedback from faculty and staff to begin the school year. He said this will allow him to prioritize the ideas people have to best serve Iowa State.
Regarding his personal life and hobbies, Keith said he is excited to take part in all of Iowa State’s traditions.
“I’m a big sports fan, from my undergraduate days at Akron, to graduate school at Notre Dame and during my faculty career at two other institutions,” Keith stated. “Now I’m a Cyclone, and I’m excited to take part in all of our great traditions at Iowa State. I totally loved the experience at my first Iowa State home football game! Beyond that, my team will tell you I’m an early riser, a speed walker and a voracious coffee drinker. I am excited to be in a place where you can experience all four seasons! Personally, I have a son and three daughters back in Mississippi; I very much enjoy talking, playing games and spending time with them, as well as my family in Ohio.”
Keith officially accepted his role May 14 and started Aug. 1 with a base salary of $480,000 per year. The contract is set to expire June 30, 2029, but can be renewed by the president at any time following a mandatory performance review.
