After 47 years of service to Iowa State University, President Wendy Wintersteen will retire this month, closing a remarkable chapter of leadership and service. Her thoughtful, focused and strong leadership has driven Iowa State University to new levels of success and had a positive impact on agriculture, economic development and innovation well beyond campus. She also played a critical role in the founding and development of America’s Cultivation Corridor, serving on the board of directors until her retirement.
“It has been a privilege to work with President Wintersteen,” said Billi Hunt, executive director of America’s Cultivation Corridor. “I’ve always appreciated her ability to be heard by not being the loudest person in the room. She has an incredible ability to assess a situation, listen and choose her words carefully and thoughtfully to bring attention to the most important issues.”
Dr. Wintersteen began her career as an ISU Extension associate in integrated pest management then completed her doctorate in entomology at Iowa State and rose through the ranks to become a professor of entomology, followed by administrative roles in Extension and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and serving as 11 years as the inaugural endowed dean of CALS and director of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station.
Under her leadership, Iowa State’s agricultural programs ranked in the top 10 worldwide, CALS enrollment rapidly increased to become the third-largest college of agriculture in the nation, research grants increased, awards for teaching excellence grew and the college achieved a 98% placement rate for its graduates.
She became the 16th president of Iowa State University in 2017 and continued her focus on student success and innovation at the university.
Charles Sukup, co-chairman and treasurer, Sukup Manufacturing Co., noted President Wintersteen’s ability to accomplish big things such as the development and completion of the Student Innovation Center and focus on entrepreneurship amid a number of external challenges.
“She navigated numerous treacherous issues including COVID-19 pandemic, diminishing state support, upheaval of college athletic structure and finances and the right and responsibility of free speech in an academic environment,” he said. “She always uplifted the mission of a land grant university to provide the most to students regardless of social class, gender or race.”
Under her leadership, Iowa State has strengthened its reputation as a research powerhouse, with a top 3% ranking for research among nearly 500 universities without a human medical school. Over the past eight years, Iowa State received more than $4.2 billion in external funding, including three consecutive years of record-setting research funding and the second-highest research total in university history.
Student success has been another hallmark of her tenure. First-year student retention rose to 87.6%, well above the national average and Iowa State has maintained a 95% placement rate since 2018.
“President Wintersteen’s care and compassion for the students at Iowa State University stand out in the boardroom and other conversations,” said Kevin Rasmussen, chair of America’s Cultivation Corridor board of directors and member, Iowa Pork Producers Association. “She truly wants every student to have an experience at Iowa State University that helps them reach their full potential while growing as a young productive citizen.”
Her impact extends across Iowa and the nation.
“President Wintersteen’s influence on Iowa State University, the State of Iowa and beyond is truly immeasurable and her legacy will resonate for generations,” said Kathryn Kunert, vice president, economic connections and integration, MidAmerican Energy, noting that she has been a staunch advocate for economic development to ensure the prosperity of Iowa’s businesses and communities.
“Her talent for connecting the dots, looking ahead, listening and creating opportunities to leverage all of Iowa State’s and the state’s assets has fostered unprecedented collaboration between business and academia,” said Kunert.
Growth at the ISU Research Park is just one example of building opportunities and spaces for organizations of all sizes — from startups to global brands — to work, collaborate and innovate. New and revitalized facilities such as the Digital Ag Innovation Center, Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, Student Innovation Center, expansion of Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and more are opening doors for students, faculty and industry partners to develop the next generation of solutions for sustainably feeding and fueling the world.
“President Wintersteen’s leadership and advocacy for innovation has been felt not only in ‘product,’ but ‘process,’” said Gage Kent, chairman and chief executive officer, KENT WORLDWIDE™. “Visionary leadership in America’s Cultivation Corridor is a shining example of her work to bring together the strength of Iowa’s core assets and organizations to develop, promote and accomplish positive growth in the agriculture industry.”
President Wintersteen leaves Iowa State stronger, more connected and well positioned for what comes next. Her leadership set a clear standard: one rooted in listening, integrity and an unwavering focus on students and public good. Those values shaped decisions large and small, and they’re now woven into the fabric of the university.
Through her work with America’s Cultivation Corridor, she also helped elevate Iowa’s role on a national and global stage. By encouraging collaboration over competition, she helped create opportunities that benefit far more than a single organization or sector.
“President Wintersteen’s leadership reminds us of the importance of setting ambitious goals from the outset, empowering teams, and being available with guidance and support when it matters most,” said Hunt. “From her installation speech through successful term as university president and engagement with the Corridor, she demonstrated these qualities every day. We deeply appreciate her leadership, particularly her accessibility, her insight, and the way she helped drive meaningful results."
Published December 2025