Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff
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Next president to be named in November
The search for Iowa State's next president begins later this month, with the goal of selecting a president as part of the Iowa Board of Regents' regular November meeting.
Teams prepare to move to renovated Warren Madden Building
About a dozen employee teams will move in a few weeks to renovated spaces in the Warren Madden Building. For some, it's a return home; for others, it's a new home.
Moderate increases proposed for employee health care premiums
ISU Plan participants won't see changes to their health care or dental care coverage in 2026. Employee premiums for the HMO and PPO plans will go up, about 10% on average, while employee monthly dental premiums will shrink $10-$20, except for no change to the single employee premium for basic coverage.
Most ISU vehicles are equipped for hands-free driving
Last week, Iowa became the 31st state with a hands-free driving law. About 90% of Iowa State's 650 fleet vehicles are equipped with Bluetooth hands-free technology -- and most drivers use it.
New state relations officer started July 1
Jillian Carlson is the new state relations officer for Iowa State. Since 2023, she has served the University of Northern Iowa in the same capacity for the board of regents.
Library updates create cost savings, expanded access
Between February and May, more than 2,200 light bulbs were replaced in the library's seven tiers, where the bulk of the physical collection is kept. The change will reduce electricity use by nearly 250,000 kWh and save $25,000 each year.
General university classrooms receive more upgrades
Height-adjustable, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant tables are being added to numerous general university classrooms this summer. They ensure accessibility and safety for everyone.
A short note about our website
Use the new Inside Iowa State website as a rolling internal news site. And use several new online options for submitting your announcements, retirements, receptions and external awards.
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The following announcements were added the past two weeks:
- New produce picks, floral bouquets among this week's Hort Farm items
- Boulevard light poles will be banner-free through the fall
- July employee benefits spotlight: Perkspot
- Final replicated pieces to be added to fountain sculpture this month
- Undergraduate summer research poster session is July 31
- Visitation for former faculty member James Young is July 10
- It's the kinesiology and health department
- South 16th Street paving begins July 9; alternating traffic in place
- Research project managers will meet July 15
- SHOP pantry seeks faculty, staff volunteers for summer hours
- Tickets on sale for Reiman Gardens' anniversary bash
- AV update for Memorial Union events
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Latest Iowa Stater is in the mail . . . and online
This summer's Iowa Stater magazine cover features the story of C.G. "Turk" and Joyce Therkildsen's love for each other and Iowa State. Readers also will learn how one alum is bypassing barriers to restore movement and touch to paralyzed patients, get a close look at ISU's renowned fashion show, discover how one alumna's family recipes earned her a top spot at the Iowa State Fair and on a competitive baking show -- and much more.
Six communities selected for Iowa Mayors' Design Workshop
Meeting on campus this week, the mayors from Algona, Bondurant, Humboldt, Red Oak, Webster City and Winterset will share an environmental or urban planning issue in their town. They'll each be connected with a team of faculty, research and extension staff, and design professionals to discuss potential solutions during this second annual event, hosted by the College of Design and ISU Extension and Outreach.
Higher education's impact on marriage
In an essay for The Conversation, professor of economics John Winters explains how the extent of a person's education may impact their decision to marry. But there are other factors at play in U.S. marriage rates that have fallen to historical lows.
Connecting conservation professionals and farmers
Iowa State's biannual Land Stewardship Leadership Academy wrapped up its third session. The event helps early-career natural resource professionals understand Iowa farmers' world and the variables that impact their decision-making.
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Monic Behnken, associate professor of sociology and criminal justice, to associate dean of strategic initiatives, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, effective July 1
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Lt. Col. John Cacic, Hanscom Air Force Base, Bedford, Massachusetts, to department chair, Air Force aerospace studies, effective July 1
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Tracy Lucht, professor, Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, to interim director of the school, effective July 1
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Megan Myers, professor and chair, world languages and cultures, to interim associate dean of student success, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, effective July 1
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Mike Retallick, professor and chair, agricultural education and studies department, to associate dean for personnel and finance in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, effective July 1 (retaining department leadership through August)
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Jeff Iles, professor of horticulture, to interim department chair, agricultural education and studies, effective in August
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Chunsheng (Sam) Xin, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, to department chair, computer science, effective Aug. 1
- Tim Derrick, professor of kinesiology and health, to interim department chair, effective Aug. 1
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Upcoming
- Alan DiSpirito, biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology, July 31 (no public event)
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Gardening-inspired art fair is Sunday
Reiman Gardens will host its annual Garden Art Fair on Sunday, July 13 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.). More than 75 artists from across the Midwest will sell handmade jewelry, watercolor paintings, ceramics, metalwork, glass art, photography and more. Admission is free for members and included with regular admission for the general public (get a $2 discount on pre-purchased tickets).
Goldfinch Room series at Reiman Gardens continues Tuesday
Wolfskill and The Wild, an Iowan native folk duo, will perform Tuesday, July 15 (6-8 p.m., Reiman Gardens) as part of the outdoor summer Goldfinch Room Songwriter Showcase. A local food truck and beverage service will be on site; outside food and non-alcoholic beverages also are allowed. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of show.
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Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) programming
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Virtual conference, Top Hat Engage, July 17 (noon-2:45 p.m., via Zoom), register
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About us
Inside Update, the companion email to Inside Iowa State, is sent every other Thursday morning during summer session by University Marketing and Communications. Questions may be directed to 515-294-7065.
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