Interim President Benjamin Allen sent out his first mass email to people across campus on Tuesday morning.

Allen worked for Iowa State for 30 years until he left in 2006 to serve as the president of the University of Northern Iowa. Four years ago he left UNI; he and his wife have been enjoying retirement in St. Louis, Missouri since.

Allen went on to recognize the impact that President Steven Leath has left on the university and included his own priorities for his time as interim president in the email. They are to:

• Continue progress toward the goals and objectives outlined in the university’s FY2017-2022 strategic plan
• Carefully manage state funding issues/budget restrictions
• Initiate planning for the FY19 budget and communicate the university’s state funding needs to the Board of Regents, governor and state legislators
• Oversee ongoing infrastructure, administrative and technology projects
• Continue progress toward the “Forever True, For Iowa State” campaign goal of $1.1 billion
• Facilitate a successful transition once a new president is selected

Allen closed by explaining that he has already started working with students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, donors, Board of Regents, state legislators and other stakeholders and welcomes thoughts, concerns and ideas from anyone.