President Wendy Wintersteen announced her intention to retire from Iowa State University in January 2026, concluding 46 years with the institution, including eight years as its president and the first woman to hold the position.
In a letter addressed to faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, Wintersteen reflected on her time at ISU, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead during a period of growth and innovation.
“It has been a facilitating journey,” Wintersteen stated.. “In these past years, Iowa State University has reached new heights of research and teaching excellence, continued improvements in student outcomes and national recognition for innovative and entrepreneurial achievements.”
Wintersteen requested that the Iowa Board of Regents initiate a national search for her successor, with the goal of naming a new president before the end of the year.
Board of Regents President Sherry Bates praised Wintersteen’s leadership during challenging and transformative times.
“Under President Wintersteen’s leadership, Iowa State’s reputation has soared,” Bates said. “With her steady guidance, Iowa State has met and overcome many external challenges.”
Bates also emphasized Wintersteen’s deep-rooted commitment to ISU.
“President Wintersteen is a cyclone through and through. She has had a remarkable career of more than 40 years at ISU. One of the things that sums her up best to me is this—on her car, the license plate says “To Serve”. To me, that’s the crux of President Wintersteen’s approach and what has made her such a great president and a tremendous person.”
Provost Jason Keith echoed those sentiments, calling Wintersteen a “24/7 advocate for Iowa State University.”
“At every turn, President Wintersteen puts people first, whether it’s students, faculty and staff, or Iowans across the state,” Keith said. “She is fearless, collaborative, and accessible. Working alongside her, I’ve seen firsthand her unwavering commitment to our land-grant mission.”
Faculty Senate President Meghan Gillette commended Wintersteen’s student-focused leadership.
“The students know her by name, and she knows many of them by name,” Gillette said. “She frequently attends student events, which is both admirable and meaningful. She has been a stabilizing presence, especially during the pandemic, and has created an environment where faculty feel comfortable having open and tough conversations.”
Gillette expressed hope that ISU’s next president will carry forward Wintersteen’s values.
“I hope the next president will continue working in the spirit of shared governance and student-centricity,” Gillette said. “Ultimately, I hope they love Iowa State and the state of Iowa as much as President Wintersteen does.”
Keith affirmed that the Provost’s Office will support the presidential transition and assist the Board of Regents during the search process.
“The best thing we can do to honor President Wintersteen’s accomplishments is to maintain our momentum—recruiting new Cyclones, fostering innovation, and being a trusted partner across Iowa,” Keith said.
Wintersteen’s tenure has been characterized by efforts to foster collaboration, navigate challenges, and support the university community. As her presidency comes to a close, she departs with a record of institutional development, new initiatives, and strong engagement with the cyclone community.
“I will truly miss our ISU students and their creativity, excitement and potential,” Wintersteen stated.. “Robert and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve this incredible university and community.”
The presidential search process is expected to begin soon, with updates from the Board of Regents to follow in the coming months.
