Inside Iowa State for faculty and staff

Jan. 8, 2026

Inside news

On board in 1750 Beardshear

Interim president David Spalding said it's an honor to serve as the leadership link between presidents Wendy Wintersteen and David Cook. Legislator inquiries and the President's Leadership Class are some of the duties he'll take on for eight weeks.


Suski named to enrollment management post

Executive director of admissions and new student programs Katharine Johnson Suski has been named associate vice president for enrollment management. She had served in the interim associate vice president role since June.


Geese deaths not replicated, so far

Aerators in Lake LaVerne have been turned off to allow the water to freeze over and discourage migratory birds from stopping on campus. In late December, dead Canada geese found at the lake tested positive for avian flu.


Fines kick in for hands-free driving law

Following a six-month warning-only period, on Jan. 1 drivers not complying with the new state law will be charged with a moving violation, a simple misdemeanor with a $100 fine. Most university fleet vehicles are equipped with hands-free technology so drivers can comply with the law.

Announcements

The following announcements were added this week:

  • New medical staff join occupational medicine team
  • Reminder: New compensation statements are available Jan. 9 in Workday 
  • Proposals (two types) sought for annual Digital Scholarship Symposium
  • Registration is open for Feb. 26 P&S professional development conference
  • 'Smart Money' virtual series begins Jan. 22
  • P&S winter social is Jan. 8
  • CyMath program for grades 3-12 is recruiting tutors, mentors
  • Winter courses for retirees begin Jan. 12

Around campus

Affirmation from Iowans

In a three-minute video, eight Iowans talk about how ISU Extension and Outreach has made their life better. The bottom line: Through campus and regional specialists and staff in 100 county offices, extension and outreach connects Iowans to the education and resources of Iowa State.


Better health care, by design

In an interdisciplinary health design studio course, students are challenged to consider the experiences of patients, health care workers and visitors, from tracing the path of nurses on a hospital floor to green spaces outside where patients might walk or relax. 


Technology assists with terra cotta preservation

An exhibition opening Monday in the Christian Petersen Art Museum, Morrill Hall, showcases the innovative technology and conservation science used to preserve Danish American artist Christian Petersen's iconic terra cotta sculptures across campus. 


Climate misinformation emerges as a public safety threat

In an essay for The Conversation, an Iowa State post doc writes that false claims on social media impact how residents (in this case, Canadians) respond to a crisis (wildfires). Research on misinformation dynamics, she writes, shows how "platforms systematically amplify sensational claims, and false claims travel farther and faster than verified updates."

Appointments

Receptions and 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

  • Retirement, Stephanie Downs, ISU WellBeing, Jan. 6 (no public event), post well wishes to her digital card
  • Winter social, for P&S employees, hosted by P&S Council, Jan. 8 (3:30-4:30 p.m., fourth floor near Sparks Cafe, Student Innovation Center), RSVP


Upcoming

  • Open house, meet new members of the Occupational Medicine team, Jan. 27 (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., G11 TASF)

Arts and events

Cyclone men, women compete at home

The third-ranked Iowa State men's and No. 11 women's basketball teams are in action at Hilton Coliseum this weekend in Big 12 Conference play. The men host Oklahoma State at 3 p.m. Saturday and the women welcome West Virginia at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets for both games are available through Ticketmaster.


Art walk stays indoors at Stephens

Join a university museums docent for a tour of the public art inside Stephens Auditorium, including the "Silver Code" stage curtain, on Wednesday, Jan. 14 (3:10-4 p.m., meet in the lobby).

Learning opportunities

Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) programming

Register in advance.

Previous Inside coverage

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