(Radio Iowa) – The top two leaders on the board that oversees the three state universities will step down Thursday. Board of Regents president Sherry Bates of Scranton took over as interim president in January of 2024 when then president Michael Richards stepped down, and then was elected permanently to the post. Bates first joined the board in 2014, and her latest term expires in April of 2029. She says in a statement she wants to spend more time with her family.

Board president-pro tem Greta Rouse of Emmetsburg first served as a student regent from 2008-2012. She was later appointed to six-year term on the Board again in April of 2021. She did not say why she is leaving the board.

The Regents will meet Wednesday to elect new leadership.