Wendy Wintersteen, the sixteenth president of Iowa State University, has announced her intent to retire in January 2026 after nearly a decade of service.
In November 2017, Dr. Wintersteen became the first woman and second alum to hold Iowa State University’s highest office. During her presidency, the university has constructed new and renovated facilities, received record research grants and awards, improved student outcomes, and experienced strong fundraising success.
Before becoming president, Dr. Wintersteen was a longtime faculty member with Iowa State. Her career with the university began over four decades ago as an extension field specialist in integrated pest management. She rose through the academic ranks, ultimately becoming a full professor of entomology. As an academic leader, she spent 11 years as the inaugural endowed dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and director of the Iowa Agricultural and Home Economics Experiment Station.
In a letter to the Iowa State community, Dr. Wintersteen said, “During the past eight years, we have navigated a dynamic period of challenges, surprises, and growth. Together, we have continued to move Iowa State forward on numerous fronts to the best of our ability. I know that our future president will find in them a collegial and dedicated set of leaders to continue that process.”
Dr. Wintersteen holds a bachelor’s degree in crop production from Kansas State University and a Ph.D. in entomology from Iowa State University.