The Iowa Board of Regents will convene Tuesday through Thursday at Iowa State University to review a number of items, including the presidential search, capital projects and funding priorities.
ISU president
The Board is scheduled to vote on the appointment Tuesday. The decision follows a months-long search process after President Wendy Wintersteen announced her resignation earlier this year.
The two candidates are Benjamin Houlton, Ph.D., dean of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and David Cook, Ph.D., current president of North Dakota State University.
“The Board will consider appointment of the next President of Iowa State University,” according to the agenda.
2025 comprehensive fiscal year report
ISU’s FY 2025 comprehensive fiscal year report shows operating revenues exceeded budget by $23.2 million (2.9%) due to higher enrollment and research activity.
Operating expenses were $33.7 million (4.2%) above budget, driven by faculty support, research programs, utilities, building repairs, equipment and student financial aid.
Tuition guarantee
The board will also review a tuition guarantee proposal for in‑state undergraduate students.
“Incoming students may elect to pay a singular upfront premium that would guarantee a cap to the base tuition rate for four consecutive years,” according to the agenda.
The study results are due to the governor and legislature by Nov. 30.
Capital improvements
On Wednesday, regents will review two major facility plans for Iowa State.
The Board’s Property and Facilities Committee is set to consider granting permission to begin planning for a Dining Support Center project, which would operate under a construction management at risk process.
The committee will also consider approving planning for the State Gym Natatorium system replacement project.
Institutional leases
ISU is also requesting approval for several property agreements within the City of Ames and university partners:
- Four utility easements with the City of Ames to document existing electrical distribution lines that serve the campus.
- A land lease with the City of Ames for the construction of a new fire station south of Central Campus.
- A building lease of 12,500 square feet at the BioCentury Research Farm to the ISU Research Park.
- A building lease of 34,500 square feet in the Alumni Center to the ISU Foundation.
Iowa Code chapter 261J
In addition, Regents will review a report confirming ISU’s compliance with Iowa Code 261J, the state law limiting university-funded diversity, equity and inclusion offices and requiring annual certification.
“The Board of Regents is fully committed to complying with Iowa Code 261J and has taken several steps to ensure compliance,” according to the agenda.
Annual accreditation report
The Board of Regents will also receive ISU’s Annual Accreditation Report, which outlines the status of programmatic and institutional accreditations. Accreditation ensures quality assurance through external reviews of faculty, curriculum and student support, and is often required for professional licensure.
At Iowa State, all programs reviewed, including the College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Music and Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, are in full or initial accreditation status.
The reports highlighted areas of commendation and, where applicable, minor recommendations for improvement. Some programs require interim progress reports, which are either completed or in process.
ISU presidential residence
A facility‑analysis report of ISU’s presidential residence will be presented.
“This involves an extensive, all-floor renovation to address environmental, functional and safety issues, converting the Knoll back to a private residence without dual use,” according to the agenda.
The board will review cost estimates and alternative plans in the coming months.
To see the full agenda, visit the Iowa Board of Regents.
