Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff

Oct. 16, 2025

Inside news

Library dean Seo will retire in July

Hilary Seo, dean and interim dean of the University Library since 2019, announced this week she will retire from Iowa State on July 31, closing out a 23-year career at the university.


Five questions with the rec services director

Tony Dirth talks about Iowa State's recreation facilities, the importance of staying ahead and what's in store for the future.


Faculty Senate discussion focuses on freedom of speech 

University counsel Mike Norton attended the meeting to respond to questions. Senate president Meghan Gillette also updated senators on the work of the Iowa State Presidential Search Committee.


Complete your benefits survey by Oct. 21

Faculty and staff are asked to complete an every-three-years survey about their preferences and satisfaction with university benefits plans and programs. All benefits-eligible employees received an Oct. 7 email containing a survey link. 


Homecoming week starts Sunday

A new Maker's Market, featuring handmade products from Iowa State alumni, current students and local small businesses, is part of the fun at the Alumni Center this Sunday, Oct. 19. Lunch on central campus, free with a $5 Homecoming button, runs Monday-Thursday next week.
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Announcements

The following announcements were added this week:

  • Sustainability celebration is Oct. 20 on central campus
  • 'Cinderella' ballet tickets go on sale Oct. 17
  • Digital manufacturing lab is focus of October Innovation Impact lunch
  • Sorority- and fraternity-hosted indoor trick-or-treat is Oct. 26
  • Recognize outstanding suppliers: Nominations open for 2026 award
  • Search begins for enrollment management leader
  • C.Y. Stephens is focus of Oct. 22 book talk in Des Moines
  • Virtual interviews with presidential semifinalists set for Oct. 20-21
View all announcements
 

Around campus

Two days remain to get a flu shot on campus

The free flu shot clinic for employees in 1218 State Gymnasium runs through Friday, Oct. 17. No appointment or registration is needed.


Pest identification and management in the palm of your hand

Nine years after sharing their vision for artificial intelligence helping plant scientists, Iowa State's AI in Ag team has built a web-based tool that helps farmers identify and manage crop pests.


Preparing the next generation of researchers

Introducing undergraduate students to fundamental research is a key strategy in Iowa State's goals to create new knowledge and solutions for the world. Since 1991, Morrill Professor Don Sakaguchi has welcomed more than 200 into his projects on repair strategies for damage to the nervous system. They develop technical skills in microscopy, data analysis and cellular molecular techniques. 


New ideas on childhood trauma memories

Carl Weems, professor of human development and family studies, explains how memory and perception of trauma can evolve across time and experiences and with cognitive and emotional development. The work challenges assumptions that trauma reporting is either true or false.
 

Retirements

Employees, their colleagues or supervisors are invited to use our online form to submit retirements, departures and receptions. Inside doesn't receive this information from a central source.


This week

  • Trond Forre, chemistry, Oct. 17 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 1605 Gilman), post well wishes to Trond's Kudoboard
 

Arts and events

Volleyball hosts conference contests

After several weeks on the road, the Cyclone volleyball team is home for two conference matches: Thursday, Oct. 16, against West Virginia, and Thursday, Oct. 23, against Arizona. Both matches begin at 6:30 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.


Concert for neurodiverse audience is Friday evening

The ISU Wind Ensemble will present a sensory sensitive concert for neurodiverse individuals and their families on Friday, Oct. 17 (5:30 p.m., Tye Recital Hall, Simon Estes Music Hall). The music will feature Disney, Miss Rachel and other family-friendly selections. Admission is free.


Monday Monologues continue at the library

This lunchtime performance series hosted by the university library spotlights student and faculty voices. The Oct. 20 performance will feature Hautbois Quatre, a quartet of students on double-reed instruments -- oboe, bassoon, English horn, for example -- coached by associate teaching professor of music Amy Christensen. They'll begin at 12:15 on the front steps of Parks Library.


Local entrepreneur shares her story

Communication studies alumna Kori Heuss, president and owner of Heuss Printing in Ames, brings innovation and leadership to the local business community. Her talk, "Diary of an Entrepreneur: The Need for Resiliency When Running an Iowa Small Business," is Wednesday, Oct. 22  (6 p.m., 2630 Memorial Union).
View events calendar
 

Learning opportunities

Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) programming
 

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