Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff

Oct. 23, 2025

Inside news

Four finalists invited to interview for presidency

Following virtual interviews with eight semifinalists Oct. 20-21, the Iowa State Presidential Search Committee recommended four candidates for the next phase of the search: a daylong visit to campus the week of Nov. 3 and an interview with the Iowa Board of Regents on Nov. 11.


Saunders appointed institutional research director

Alumnus Kevin Saunders will begin Nov. 18 as executive director of Institutional Research. He returns to Iowa State from Drake University, where he served for more than 15 years as director of institutional research and assessment and co-coordinator of accreditation.


Cyclone Civics offers grants for high-impact experiences, events

In addition to offering grants to co-sponsor lectures, workshops and high-impact student experiences, the Center for Cyclone Civics is offering an experimental course on American civics this spring and hosting a yearlong series of lectures commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 


Not all leadership training requires a plane ticket

Employees seeking professional development in leadership skills have a lot of options on their computer. Learn more about the many (free) options available from LinkedIn Learning -- plus a few other campus opportunities.


Students provide local service, get well-rounded experience

"Prep Sports Central" is an area high school sports highlight and recap show produced entirely by ISU students in sports broadcast production. They get experience in every aspect of a live show and provide local sports fans -- including faculty and staff -- another option for prep sports coverage.
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Announcements

The following announcements were added this week:

  • Faculty, staff volunteers sought for Cy's Finals Frenzy in December
  • Nominations accepted through Nov. 1 for MLK Advancing One Community awards
  • Industry experts to share AI integration skills they seek in new employees
  • Block and Bridle sausage and cheese orders close Nov. 1
  • Research project managers' next meeting is Nov. 11
  • Governor awards two paid holidays to state employees
  • Snow blower service days are Nov. 7-8
  • Roles for faculty and staff in a yearlong student AI challenge
View all announcements
 

Around campus

A Homecoming tradition with a cast of hundreds

Yell Like Hell, an ISU Homecoming tradition and competition, held first-cut performances for 15 entries Monday evening on a breezy central campus -- and interrupted by a one-hour rain delay. Faculty and staff serve as judges every fall.


. . . And a first-time Homecoming event

The School of Education marked Homecoming week Wednesday with a "parade" of miniature homecoming floats, each rolling across the Lagomarcino atrium atop a small robot from the Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching. In the center, education students experiment with the latest technologies used in PK-12 classrooms.


'Mission Moon' piloted with youth in seven counties

Ever since the NASA moon landings more than 50 years ago, young people have wondered what it would be like to explore outer space. Iowa youth are taking their own small steps toward giant leaps during Mission Moon, a hands-on learning experience from Iowa 4-H and the NASA Iowa Space Grant Consortium.


Training game designed to prepare for emergencies 

Iowa State researchers are working with Polk County Emergency Management to develop an online training game where emergency managers can plan and practice their disaster responses.


Coalition helps farmers fight relentless pest

Greg Tylka, director of the Iowa Soybean Research Center, founded a soybean cyst nematode (SCN) coalition to battle a pest that causes annual yield losses of more than $1 billion. Growing evolving resistant soybean varieties is the best management tactic for SCN, but crop rotation, data-reliant tools and education remain important, too.

 

Open forums

Save the date: President finalists

Four candidates advanced this week to the latest phase of the search for Iowa State's next president. Each will have a daylong visit to campus the week of Nov. 3, and each finalist's visit will include a 4 p.m. public forum (in-person and livestreamed). Details will be shared as the schedule is finalized.
 

Arts and events

Annual student art exhibit opened this week

The Memorial Union Art Gallery is hosting "Studies in Creativity," an annual exhibit featuring Iowa State student artists, through Nov. 19. It features 37 artworks by 26 artists, whittled from 116 entries by guest juror Laura Gleissner, University of Northern Iowa. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free. A reception will be held Tuesday, Oct. 28 (6-7:30 p.m.)


Homecoming awards ceremony is Friday afternoon

Alumni and friends will receive awards from the ISU Alumni Association, seven academic colleges and the Memorial Union during an annual ceremony on Friday, Oct. 24 (1:30 p.m., Stephens Auditorium and livestreamed). Admission is free; a dessert reception follows.


Wrestling lineup begins to take shape

Iowa State wrestling fans can take in two rounds of wrestle-offs -- each lasting a couple of hours -- Oct. 25-26 when the Cyclones begin to set their lineup for the season. Before the Homecoming football game Saturday, stop in at Lied Recreation Center for the semifinal round (11 a.m., main floor). The finals move to Ames High School on Sunday (2 p.m.). Fans attending Saturday's round are asked to park in lot 68 (south of University Boulevard off Haber Road).


Indoor Halloween fun is Sunday afternoon

ISU's sorority and fraternity community will host its annual Trick-or-Treat for Iowa State families on Sunday, Oct. 26 (noon-4 p.m., Memorial Union ballrooms). Enjoy games and lots of candy; family-friendly costumes are encouraged (not required) for all.


Wednesday Art Walk: Cool features of iconic buildings

On Oct. 29, explore with university museums docent Dana Schumacher the details -- stained glass, bronze, carved stone -- that bring life to some of Iowa State's most iconic buildings. Meet at noon outside the Memorial Union north entrance.
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Learning opportunities

Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) programming
 

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