Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen, the first woman to lead the institution, has announced her retirement effective January 2026, concluding a 46-year career at ISU marked by transformative leadership since her appointment in 2017. Her tenure has been defined by major achievements in research growth, innovation, student success, and campus development.
Under her tenure, ISU secured over $4.2 billion record-breaking research funding, national recognition for innovation and entrepreneurship, significant campus expansion, and improved student outcomes, including higher retention and graduation rates. A dedicated advocate for research and education, Wintersteen leaves a legacy of excellence that will shape the university’s future for years to come.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Wendy Wintersteen |
| Position | 16th President of Iowa State University |
| Start of Presidency | November 20, 2017 |
| Retirement Date | January 2026 |
| Announcement Date | May 16, 2025 |
| Years at ISU | 46 years |
| Alma Mater | Iowa State University (Ph.D.), Kansas State University (B.Sc.) |
| Field of Study | Entomology, Crop Production |
| Spouse | Robert Waggoner (Author on lucid dreaming) |
| Key Contributions | Research expansion, student outcomes, campus innovation, entrepreneurial recognition |
| Campus Infrastructure Growth | $275+ million invested; 150-acre ISU Research Park expansion |
| External Research Funding Secured | $4.2 billion |
A Legacy of Leadership: Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen Announces Retirement
After nearly five decades of unwavering service and nearly nine years at the helm, Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen has officially announced her retirement. The announcement was made on Friday, May 16, 2025, with her retirement slated for January 2026. As the first woman to serve as president in Iowa State’s 166-year history, Wintersteen’s tenure has been nothing short of transformative—characterized by groundbreaking achievements in research, student success, innovation, and campus development.
Introduction: A Transformative Chapter Comes to a Close
As AUBSP takes you through this significant moment in the university’s history, let’s reflect on the lasting legacy of leadership built by a true trailblazer.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1979 | Wendy Wintersteen joins ISU as Extension associate |
| 1996 | Promoted to Professor of Entomology |
| 2006-2017 | Dean of College of Agriculture and Life Sciences |
| November 20, 2017 | Begins tenure as 16th President |
| 2023 | ISU named Entrepreneurial University of the Year (Americas) |
| 2024 | Receives Model University Accelerator/Incubator Award |
| May 16, 2025 | Announces retirement |
| January 2026 | Planned retirement date |
Advancing Innovation and Research
Under President Wintersteen’s dynamic leadership, Iowa State University became a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence. AUBSP highlights the global recognition ISU achieved:
- Entrepreneurial University of the Year (2023 – Americas)
- Model University Accelerator/Incubator Award (2024)
- Top 100 in U.S. Patents Worldwide
Wintersteen’s relentless push for innovation also translated into $4.2 billion in external research funding, securing record-breaking funding for three consecutive years. Iowa State now ranks among the top 3% of U.S. universities without a medical school for research output.
Championing Student Success
One of the hallmarks of Wintersteen’s presidency was her focus on student outcomes. By adopting a holistic and data-driven approach, she achieved remarkable success in key areas:
- 87.6% first-year retention rate — significantly above national averages
- Average time to degree dropped from 4.4 years (2018) to 4.12 years (2024)
- Six-year graduation rate exceeds national average by 18+ percentage points
- 95% placement rate for graduates since 2018
- 44% of students graduate without debt
Wintersteen also emphasized experiential learning, with 75% of undergraduates participating in at least two high-impact practices—be it research, internships, or global learning opportunities.
Campus Development and Resource Expansion
From physical infrastructure to technological innovation, President Wintersteen played a crucial role in shaping the modern ISU campus. Projects that define her tenure include:
- The Student Innovation Center, a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration
- The Therkildsen Industrial Engineering Building, a cutting-edge academic facility
- ISU Research Park expansion by 150 acres, now housing nearly 50 new tenants
- $275 million+ in capital project funding secured
According to AUBSP analysis, these expansions have positioned Iowa State as a national leader in applied sciences and innovation ecosystems.
A Distinguished Career Spanning Four Decades
Wendy Wintersteen’s relationship with Iowa State began in 1979. With a Ph.D. in entomology from ISU and a bachelor’s in crop production from Kansas State, she climbed the ranks with tenacity and vision:
- One of the first female Extension associates
- Promoted to Professor of Entomology in 1996
- Served as Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for 11 years
- Led Iowa State’s agricultural programs to top 10 global rankings
Her tenure as dean saw a surge in enrollment, research funding, and global recognition, cementing her credibility and leadership long before she assumed the university’s presidency.
Looking to the Future
With the Iowa Board of Regents now tasked with finding her successor, Wendy Wintersteen’s retirement marks both an end and a new beginning. Her dedication, vision, and enduring contributions have left an indelible mark.
At AUBSP, we recognize her tenure as a benchmark of academic leadership—an era of innovation, integrity, and inclusivity that others will strive to emulate.
Personal Reflections and Family Life
Beyond the boardrooms and classrooms, Wintersteen shares her life with her husband, Robert Waggoner, an accomplished author known for his work on lucid dreaming. Their personal and professional journeys reflect a shared commitment to exploration—scientific and philosophical alike.
In conclusion, as Iowa State University prepares for its next chapter, it does so with gratitude and admiration for a president who exemplified service, scholarship, and strategy. Wendy Wintersteen’s story is one of firsts, but more importantly, one of vision and results.
From all of us at AUBSP, we salute President Wintersteen and her unparalleled commitment to Iowa State University. Her leadership legacy will guide the institution for generations to come.
FAQs about Wendy Wintersteen
Who is Wendy Wintersteen?
Wendy Wintersteen is the 16th and first female president of Iowa State University, serving since November 2017 and associated with the university for 46 years.
When did Wendy Wintersteen announce her retirement?
She announced her retirement on May 16, 2025, with plans to officially step down in January 2026.
How long has Wendy Wintersteen been with Iowa State University?
She has been part of the university for 46 years, beginning her career at ISU in 1979.
What are some major achievements during Wendy Wintersteen’s presidency?
Her achievements include record-breaking research funding, a rise in student retention and graduation rates, global awards in innovation, and significant campus development.
When did Wendy Wintersteen become president of Iowa State University?
She began her tenure as president on November 20, 2017.
What awards and recognitions did Iowa State receive under Wintersteen’s leadership?
Iowa State was named the 2023 Entrepreneurial University of the Year (Americas) and received the 2024 Model University Accelerator/Incubator Award.
How has student success improved under Wintersteen’s leadership?
The first-year retention rate rose to 87.6%, the average time to degree decreased to 4.12 years, and the graduate placement rate remained at 95% since 2018.
What impact did she have on research at Iowa State?
She helped secure over $4.2 billion in external research funding and positioned Iowa State in the top 3% of universities without a medical school for research output.
What developments occurred on campus during her tenure?
Key developments include the Student Innovation Center, Therkildsen Industrial Engineering Building, and a 150-acre expansion of the ISU Research Park.
What is Wendy Wintersteen’s academic background?
She holds a Ph.D. in entomology from Iowa State University and a bachelor’s degree in crop production from Kansas State University.
What positions did Wendy Wintersteen hold before becoming president?
She served as a professor of entomology and was the inaugural endowed dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for 11 years.
How did Iowa State perform in innovation and entrepreneurship during her presidency?
ISU gained international recognition for its innovation efforts, consistently ranking among the top institutions in patent filings and startup support.
What has been done to reduce student debt under her leadership?
More than 44% of Iowa State students now graduate without debt, reflecting targeted financial aid and support initiatives.
Who is Wendy Wintersteen’s spouse?
She is married to Robert Waggoner, an author known for his work on lucid dreaming.
What happens next after her retirement announcement?
The Iowa Board of Regents will begin the search for the university’s next president, aiming for a smooth leadership transition.
How is Wintersteen viewed within the academic community?
She is widely respected for her visionary leadership, dedication to student success, and efforts to advance research and innovation.
Will Wendy Wintersteen remain involved with the university after retirement?
While her official role will end in January 2026, no specific details have been shared regarding post-retirement involvement.
Why is Wendy Wintersteen’s retirement significant?
Her departure marks the end of a historic and transformative era for Iowa State University, leaving behind a strong and forward-looking legacy.
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