The state Board of Regents has directed the regent universities to update any portions of their strategic plans that pertain to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to comply with Iowa Senate File 2435. The legislation prohibits DEI offices at the regent universities and prohibits individuals from performing DEI work as broadly defined by the law and with limited exceptions.
President Wendy Wintersteen established an advisory committee, chaired by senior advisor to the president Sophia Magill, to review and recommend revisions to the university’s strategic plan. The 15-member committee met twice and has provided its recommendations to the president and senior leaders.
All regent universities are required to submit their revised plans for consideration at the board's February meeting. The board also is reviewing its strategic plan.
Members of the advisory committee are:
- Sophia Magill, senior advisor to the president; and committee chair
- Erin Baldwin, associate vice president for student health and wellness
- Wren Bouwman, graduate student in English; and president, Graduate and Professional Student Senate
- Jason Follett, academic advisor, College of Engineering; and president, P&S Council
- Matt Frank, professor of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering
- Connie Hargrave, associate dean, College of Engineering
- Martin Hursh, undergraduate in economics; and president, Student Government
- Steve Lonergan, Morill Professor of animal science
- Susan McNicholl, communications specialist, office of the vice president for research; and P&S Council representative
- Heather Paris, associate vice president for financial support services
- Raj Raman, Morill Professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering
- Luis Rico-Gutierrez, dean, College of Design
- Kipp Van Dyke, associate dean of students
- David Wong, chair of veterinary clinical sciences
- Arnold Woods, program specialist, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Staff support was provided by Kim McDonough, strategic initiatives project specialist.
Senior leadership team:
- Wendy Wintersteen, president
- Jason Keith, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost
- Toyia Younger, senior vice president for student affairs
- Sean Reeder, senior vice president for operations and finance
- Kristi Darr, vice president for university human resources
- Mike Norton, general counsel and chief risk officer
