Iowa State University's Presidential Search: A Controversial Turn
In a surprising development, Benjamin Houlton, Dean of Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has been named the first finalist for the prestigious role of Iowa State University's president. This announcement has sparked curiosity and raised questions among many.
Houlton, a renowned academic with a strong background in ecology and evolutionary biology, is no stranger to leadership roles. At Cornell, he co-chairs 'The 2030 Project: A Cornell Climate Initiative', an ambitious endeavor aiming to tackle climate change through interdisciplinary collaboration. His expertise and experience make him a compelling candidate for Iowa State's top position.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Iowa State, like Cornell, is a land-grant university, emphasizing agriculture and practical education. Houlton's leadership at Cornell's Cooperative Extension further solidifies his connection to this mission. His visit to campus on Wednesday will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment, as he engages with the community and shares his vision for Iowa State's future.
And this is the part most people miss: the selection process has been a journey. From an initial pool of 78 applicants, a rigorous search committee narrowed it down to two finalists. However, the path hasn't been without challenges. Originally, four finalists were identified, but two dropped out, leaving only Houlton and the soon-to-be-announced second finalist.
The current president, Wendy Wintersteen, made history as Iowa State's first female president in 2017. Her retirement announcement earlier this year has sparked a search for a new leader to carry forward Iowa State's rich legacy, which dates back to its establishment in 1858 as the 'Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm'.
Houlton's academic journey is an inspiring one. With Midwestern roots, he earned his undergraduate degree in water chemistry from the University of Wisconsin. He then pursued higher education, obtaining master's and doctoral degrees from prestigious institutions like Syracuse, Cornell, and Princeton. His postdoctoral work at Stanford and CSIRO in Australia further enriched his academic profile.
He joined the University of California system in 2007, rising through the ranks to become a full professor and serving as a principal investigator in the UC Office of the President. In 2020, Houlton took on the role of Dean at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, overseeing a substantial annual budget and a diverse academic community.
Iowa State isn't the only Iowa institution facing a presidential search. The Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) is also seeking a new leader to replace retiring President Rob Denson. Interestingly, DMACC's search has faced similar challenges, with finalists dropping out, leading to a delay in on-campus interviews.
As Iowa State's community awaits the second finalist's announcement and their visit on Thursday, the question remains: Who will ultimately lead Iowa's land-grant public university into the future? And what impact will their leadership have on the state's educational landscape? These are questions that only time will answer.
What are your thoughts on the presidential search process and the potential impact of the new leader? Share your insights and join the discussion in the comments below!
