Tess Neal, psychology, June 30
Tess Neal, associate professor and a Liberal Arts and Sciences dean’s professor in the psychology department will leave Iowa State June 30. There is no public event. Post well wishes to Tess’s kudoboard.
Stephanie Hansen, professor of animal science, to Tyrone D. Artz, M.D., Chair for Faculty Excellence in Animal Science
Stephanie Hansen, professor of animal science, to Tyrone D. Artz, M.D., Chair for Faculty Excellence in Animal Science
Lynette Pohlman, University Museums, June 3
Lynette Pohlman, Warren and Beverly Madden Endowed Director and chief curator of University Museums and adjunct associate professor in the College of Design, will retire June 3 after 55 years with University Museums, 46 years as director. No retirement event will be held. Those wishing to honor her legacy may make a gift to University Museums.
Aileen Keating, professor of animal science, to Tyrone D. Artz, M.D., Chair for Faculty Excellence in Animal Science
Aileen Keating, professor of animal science, to Tyrone D. Artz, M.D., Chair for Faculty Excellence in Animal Science
Elisabeth Huff Lonergan, University Professor of animal science, to Morrison Chair in Meat Science
Elisabeth Huff Lonergan, University Professor of animal science, to Morrison Chair in Meat Science
Melea Licht, Best Marketing Materials in External Communications, Academic Library Advancement and Development Network
Bookmarks, the University Library's stakeholder publication, was named the best marketing material in external communications in an awards program juried by the Academic Library Advancement and Development Network, with members in the U.S. and Canada. Communications manager Melea Licht leads the library's communication and outreach team.
Debra Hop, agronomy, May 20
A retirement reception for Debra Hop, budget and finance specialist in the agronomy department, will be held Wednesday, May 20 (2:30-4 p.m., program at 3 p.m., Agronomy Hall Commons). Hop is retiring after 30 years of service to the university.
Mack Shelley, political science and statistics, May 15
University Professor of political science and of statistics Mack Shelley will retire on May 15. A public event is not planned.
Kathy Hanisch, May 15
Kathy Hanisch, teaching professor of psychology, is retiring May 15 after 35 years of service to the university. There won't be a public event.
Nathaniel Wade, psychology, May 8
Nathaniel Wade, professor and associate chair in the psychology department, is leaving Iowa State after 23 years of service. A farewell reception will be held May 8 (3-6 p.m., program at 3:30 p.m., MU South Ballroom), and well wishes can be posted on his Kudoboard.
Carole Custer, university marketing and communications, May 15
Director of marketing Carole Custer, university marketing and communications, will retire May 15 after 38-plus years of service to the university. A public event is not being held. Post well wishes to Carole's digital card.
Monic Behnken, ACE fellow 2026-27, American Council on Education
The American Council on Education (ACE) named Monic Behnken, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences associate dean for strategic innovation, an ACE fellow for academic year 2026-27. She's one of 31 fellows selected this year following nominations by senior administrators from their institutions and a rigorous application process. The ACE Fellows program is designed to strengthen leadership in American higher education by identifying and preparing faculty and staff for senior positions in college and university administration.
Joel Johnson, director of recruitment and student services, College of Engineering, to assistant dean for student engagement
Joel Johnson, who has served as the College of Engineering's director of recruitment and student services since 2008, has been appointed assistant dean for student engagement. He leads the college's recruitment and student services efforts.
Kevin Dresser, head coach, Cyclone men's wrestling, to director of the ISU men's and women's wrestling programs
Kevin Dresser, head coach, Cyclone men's wrestling, to director of the ISU men's and women's wrestling programs, effective April 16
Brent Metcalf, assistant coach, Cyclone men's wrestling, to head coach
Brent Metcalf, assistant coach, Cyclone men's wrestling, to head coach, effective April 16
Brenda Jones, art and visual culture, May 13
A retirement reception for Brenda Jones, University Professor of art and visual culture, will be held on Wednesday, May 13 (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., remarks at noon, MU Campanile Room). Jones is retiring this spring after 39 years of service to Iowa State. RSVPs are requested by Thursday, April 30. Comments, photos and videos for a tribute also are being collected through April 30.
Hilary Seo, university library, May 8
A retirement reception for Hilary Seo, Colonel Gary G. Swenson Ph.D. Dean of Library Services, will be held Friday, May 8 (4-6 p.m., presentation by library staff at 4:30 p.m., Parks Library rotunda). In October, Seo announced her plans to retire from the university on July 31 after 23 years of service, the last seven as interim dean and dean.
Jay Bjerke, office of innovation commercialization, ISU Research Foundation, May 1
Jay Bjerke, commercialization manager for the office of innovation commercialization and the ISU Research Foundation, will retire from the university on May 1. No public event is planned.
Anne Krapfl, university marketing and communications, May 1
Anne Krapfl, news writer and editor of Inside Iowa State, university marketing and communications, will retire May 1 after 33-plus years of service to the university. No public event is planned.
Craig Rannells, IT Services, May 1
A retirement reception for Craig Rannells, software developer on the Student Information Systems team in IT Services, will be held Friday, May 1 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., WOW Center, Extension 4-H Building).
Erica Beirman, teaching professor in food science and human nutrition, to inaugural Nancy and Rich Degner Teaching Professor in Culinary Food Science
Erica Beirman, teaching professor in food science and human nutrition, to inaugural Nancy and Rich Degner Teaching Professor in Culinary Food Science
Iowa State University, platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, Mental Health America
For the second year in a row, Iowa State University has been awarded the platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being and illness prevention. Since 2019, the Bell Seal has recognized employers striving to create mentally healthy workplaces for their employees, and recognizes employer advances by awarding bronze, silver, gold and platinum seals. Just two in five employers meet the standards for Bell Seal certification. Iowa State underwent a rigorous evaluation of its policies and practices in four areas: workplace culture, benefits, compliance and wellness programs. Iowa State's platinum certification reflects achievement in these areas:
- Expansive employee growth opportunities.
- Competitive and mental health-friendly benefits packages.
- Emphasis on, and commitment to, work-life balance and employee well-being.
George Work, music and theatre, April 26
Professor of music (cello) George Work, music and theatre department, is retiring from the university. A reception will be held on Sunday, April 26 (4:30-6 p.m., lobby of Simon Estes Music Hall).
Arne Hallam, LAS College administration, April 25
A retirement reception for Arne Hallam, senior associate dean for finance and operations in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor of economics, will be held Saturday, April 25 (2-4 p.m., Hunziker House, Reiman Gardens). All are invited. Hallam will retire on June 30 after 43 years of service to Iowa State.
Printing services, In-Print Awards (4), In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association
Printing services recently won four awards in the 2026 In-Print contest hosted by the In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association, the only printing competition open to all in-plant printers. The contest recognizes gold, silver and bronze recipients in about 30 print categories. Printing services' awards and client products were:
- Gold (Direct Mail category): College of Engineering majors brochure
- Gold (Special Project: Inkjet/Dye Sublimation): Hilton Coliseum display case
- Bronze (Poster up to 24" x 36"): ISU Marching Band poster
- Bronze (Greeting card/program): Plant pathology, entomology and microbiology holiday postcard
Kelly Freel, Center for Industrial Research and Service, April 10
A retirement reception for Kelly Freel, the APEX Accelerator team lead at the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), will be held Friday, April 10 (3-5 p.m., first floor, Economic Development Core Facility, ISU Research Park). Freel will retire April 13 after nearly 22 years of service to Iowa State, split between procurement services and CIRAS.
Reiman Gardens, People's Choice Award, Iowa Tourism Office
Reiman Gardens received the 2026 People's Choice Award from the the Iowa Tourism Office, which is part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The award was voted on by attendees at Iowa Tourism's annual conference last week, from a set of nominees selected by Iowa Tourism staff to recognize partners that go above and beyond with projects that serve as inspiration to others and that didn't fit neatly into the other six award categories. Reiman Gardens also received one of the seven "You Rock" Geode Awards, which recognize organizations or professionals that have demonstrated dedication, creativity and positivity in their actions that changed their destination for the positive.
Sri Sritharan, Distinguished Educator Award, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute
Sri Sritharan, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor (civil engineering) and Wilkinson Chair of Interdisciplinary Engineering, recently received the Distinguished Educator Award from the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI). The award recognized his exceptional contributions to PCI's educational mission through his leadership in teaching, research and mentoring of future academic leaders and professionals in the field of precast and prestressed concrete.
Kim Adams, Dogwood team, Finance Service Delivery, April 1
Kim Adams, a grants finance specialist on the Dogwood team in Finance Service Delivery, is retiring April 1 after 41 years of service to Iowa State University. No public event is planned.
Mike Oliver, plant services, ISU Dining, April 1
Mike Oliver, supervisor of plant services for ISU Dining, is retiring from the university on April 1 after 41 years of service.
John Wageman, undergraduate student services, Ivy College of Business, April 2
John Wageman, classification officer in undergraduate student services, Ivy College of Business, will retire from the university April 2 after 11.5 years of service to the Ivy college.
Steven Harris, plant pathology, entomology and microbiology department chair, to second term
Steven Harris, chair of the department of plant pathology, entomology and microbiology, was reappointed to a second five-year term, effective April 1.
Jesse Rothweiler-Foster, data analyst, office of institutional research, to assistant director
Jesse Rothweiler-Foster, a data analyst in the office of institutional research since 2022, has been promoted to assistant director of the unit, effective March 9. She has helped guide the campus community through data transitions and build reporting tools to support informed decisions.
Lori Wildeman, Fir team, Finance Service Delivery, April 2
Lori Wildeman, a grants finance specialist on the Fir team, finance service delivery, is retiring from the university on April 2. No public event is planned; post well wishes to Lori's Kudoboard.
Barb Clawson, horticulture department, Golden Owl Award
Barb Clawson, student services specialist and adjunct associate professor in the department of horticulture, received a Golden Owl Award, presented by Nationwide and the Iowa FFA Foundation to agriculture educators who make outstanding efforts to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Pappajohn Center: Excellence in Co-Curricular Innovation Award, U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship
The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship has received a 2026 Excellence in Co-Curricular Innovation Award from the U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. The national award recognizes outstanding, innovative co-curricular programming in entrepreneurship education. Specifically, Iowa State earned the award in this category for the College-by-College Pitch Competition.
Krysta Steckelberg, to executive assistant to the president
Krysta Steckelberg, executive assistant at BrainStorm Inc, American Fork, Utah, has been named executive assistant to the president, effective Feb. 25.
Mary McCarthy, to senior wellbeing coordinator, ISU WellBeing
Mary McCarthy, business development manager and training coordinator for Employee and Family Resources, Des Moines, has been named senior wellbeing coordinator of the ISU WellBeing program, university human resources.
Matt Wiggins, treasurer's office, March 4
Matt Wiggins, cashier in the treasurer's office, is retiring March 4 after 31 years of service in different roles throughout the university. There is no public event planned, but if you worked with him in the past, feel free to stop by the treasurer's office, 0810 Beardshear, to wish him well in retirement.
Scott Smalley, professor of agricultural education and studies, to department chair
Scott Smalley, professor of agricultural education and studies, has been appointed to serve as department chair, effective April 1.
Read More about Scott Smalley, professor of agricultural education and studies, to department chair
Kelsey Hummer, Redwood team, Finance Service Delivery, Feb. 27
Kelsey Hummer, Redwood team supervisor in Finance Service Delivery, is leaving Iowa State after 13 years of service. Her last day will be Feb. 27. No public event is planned. Hummer will become senior director of gift accounting at the ISU Foundation.
Chris Cornelius, reappointed to the Dr. Thomas D. McGee and Dr. Ick-Jhin Rick Yoon Department Chair in Materials Science and Engineering
Chris Cornelius, the Dr. Thomas D. McGee and Dr. Ick-Jhin Rick Yoon Department Chair in Materials Science and Engineering, has been reappointed to a second five-year term (2026-31) as department chair.
Rosalyn Branaman, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, March 2
Rosalyn Branaman, a histology technician at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, will retire from the university on March 2 after 37 years of service to the VDL. No public event is planned.
Pete Lelonek, office of the vice president for research, Feb. 24
Pete Lelonek, research administrator with the office of the vice president for research, will retire on March 3, following 35 years of service to Iowa State University. A retirement reception will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24 (3:30-4:30 p.m., Molecular Biology Building atrium). Well wishes can be posted to his Kudoboard.
Lelonek has served as building supervisor for the Molecular Biology Building since its opening in 1992 and contributed to the building's design.
Brenda Martin, Center for Industrial Research and Service, Feb. 12
Brenda Martin, the business services director at the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), is retiring from Iowa State on Feb. 12 after nearly 23 years of service at CIRAS. Her professional experience spans more than 20 years in the food manufacturing industry. Her knowledge of industry trends, understanding of industry needs and connections throughout the university, state of Iowa and the MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership) National Network helped her match businesses with resources that contribute to their success. Leadership roles in manufacturing operations and as a corporate auditor add to her experience with workforce development, strategic planning and managing capital projects.
Kim Wyatt, Thielen Student Health Center, Feb. 10
Kim Wyatt, the insurance clerk at the Thielen Student Health Center, is retiring from the university. A reception will be held Tuesday, Feb. 10 (2-4 p.m. Patterson Library, Thielen Student Health Center).
Cindy Gannon, Extension and Outreach, Feb. 2
Cindy Gannon, advancement specialist for ISU Extension and Outreach, is retiring from Iowa State on Feb. 2 after nearly 15 years of service to extension. For the past 10 years, she has worked in communications for both advancement and county services as a valued advisor, coach and strategist. A reception will be held Monday, Feb. 2 (1-3 p.m., WOW Center, Extension 4-H Building).
Tracy Lucht, interim director of the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, to director
Tracy Lucht, interim director of the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, has been appointed to director, for a five-year term.
Vicky Thorland-Oster, electrical and computer engineering, Feb. 4
A retirement reception will be held Wednesday, Feb. 4 (2:30-4:30 p.m., 1133 Student Innovation Center), for Vicky Thorland-Oster, who is retiring from Iowa State after 35 years of service in a variety of roles. Most recently she serves as manager of student services advising in the electrical and computer engineering department, where she also advises undergraduate and graduate students. Well wishes can be added to her Kudoboard.
Denny Richards, ISU Dining, Feb. 2
Denny Richards, a facilities mechanic in ISU Dining, is retiring from Iowa State on Feb. 2 after more than 44 years of service to the university. No public event is planned.