1. Reginald Stewart, newly appointed vice president for diversity and inclusion, said he’s excited to get to know students, faculty and staff at Iowa State. He started the job Dec. 1 and immediately began familiarizing himself with campus.

2. Stewart has had a similar title, chief diversity officer, for the University of Nevada, Reno. And no, it is not much colder in Iowa than in the high desert of Reno this time of year, he said. 

3. Because this is a new position at Iowa State, Stewart is not only filling a roll but helping create one. As such, he said he is being flexible with his schedule and remaining open to ideas from students, faculty and staff. 

4. He said he has already had good experiences talking with students walking on campus. Compared to other universities, Stewart said ISU students are more open to talking and saying “hi,” even when busy.

5. Right now, Stewart’s goal is to get to know Iowa State and Ames. Once he has a sense of the community, he hopes to implement positive change. Creating new opportunities, not just problem solving, is one of Stewart’s top priorities.