AMES, Iowa — Word broke Friday morning of Wendy Wintersteen’s retirement as the President of Iowa State University.

On campus, families and graduates were scurrying on a graduation weekend schedule. Many had to have time for the picture with the ISU Campanile, with cap and gown. Most did not know of this change at Iowa State.

“It’s been a fascinating journey, I am truly proud of Iowa State’s extraordinary faculty and staff for their remarkable performance these past years,” said Wintersteen in a news release. “Perhaps most of all, I will miss the amazing energy, talent and potential of our Iowa State students.” 

Students and alums learning of her decision were surprised. One student getting his PhD was thankful she supported efforts to launch new businesses.

“And as a result of the pitches that I’ve done and the experience of my classmates and I, we’ve had Wendy’s full throat support for this,” said Bradley Swan, PhD Graduate from Minnesota. “I know she’s actually reached out, and they’ve had conversations about how they can support that program.”

“But it was a really big deal to have like the first female president of Iowa State,” said Meredith Lehman, an ISU alum from Gilbert. “It kinda definitely brought change to issues that might not have been considered.”

“I think she did a really great job being the first woman president of Iowa State,” said Sadee Lynch, an ISU graduate from Boone. “Such an example of, that women can do powerful things and lead the university and yeah, she’s going to be missed.”

 Meghan Gillette, is President of the ISU Faculty Senate.

“From the faculty perspective, ultimately I just hope that the next president loves Iowa State, and Ames, and the state of Iowa as much as Wendy does,” said Gillette. “I hope that the next president will continue working in the spirit of shared governance, and will continue to be student centric.” 

Gillette said as a teaching faculty member, her focus is on the students, and she said Wintersteen also shared that focus.

“I think, you know, as faculty first and foremost we are very invested in the students, we care deeply about the students,” said Gillette. “President Wintersteen set a great example of what it’s like to be student-centric”

Wintersteen will retire in January of 2026.

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