(Radio Iowa) – The State Board of Regents approved a plan today (Monday) to find a replacement for Iowa State University president Wendy Wintersteen, who announced she’ll retire in January. The Board voted to seek out a consulting firm and put together a search committee. Board president Sherry Bates talked about Wintersteen before a vote.  “I want to give a heartfelt thank you to President Wintersteen for her years of outstanding service to Iowa State University and its students, faculty, and staff,” she says. Wintersteen was the first woman and second I-S-U graduate to lead the school.

“President Winterstein is a Cyclone through and through. She has had a remarkable career of more than 40 years at I-S-U, culminating with her tenure as president in 2017,” Bates says. Bate says Wintersteen will be missed. “Her leadership, drive, and innovation has moved the university forward and her efforts have helped I -S-U remain as one of the top land grant universities in the nation,” Bates says.

Bates says the search committee will come up with a timeline for Wintersteen’s replacement once they meet and talk with the consultant.