Dr. Ben Allen has a long history at Iowa State University, and it will be even more extensive given he began his role as interim president yesterday.
In a
letter to the university community Allen wrote, "I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces, meeting others for the first time, and engaging the university community as we navigate this period of transition."
Allen outlined his priorities during his tenure:
- Continue progress toward the goals and objectives outlined in the university's FY2017-2022 strategic plan.
- Carefully manage state funding issues/budget reductions.
- Initiate planning for the FY19 budget and communicate the university's state funding needs to the Board of Regents, governor, and state legislators.
- Oversee ongoing infrastructure, administrative, and technology projects.
- Continue progress toward the Forever True, For Iowa State campaign goal of $1.1 billion.
- Facilitate a successful transition once a new president is selected.
Having served 27 years at Iowa State, Allen has a broad understanding of the university. He joined the transportation and logistics faculty in 1979, became department chair in 1984, and became the first distinguished professor in business in 1988.
That same year, Allen and a colleague from the University of Iowa established the Midwest Transportation Center (now
InTrans
) at Iowa State. Allen directed that center for two years before being appointed a
s interim dean in 1994 and then dean of the College of Business 1995-2001. Allen assumed the role of interim vice president for external affairs in 2001 and then vice president for academic affairs and provost from 2002 to 2006 before being selected as the president of the University of Northern Iowa and retiring in 2013. Allen and his wife, Pat, retired in St. Louis, and returned to Ames on April 17 where he served as a senior policy adviser to President Steven Leath.
"President Leath has left Iowa State in a strong position, and it is evident this campus is committed to success," wrote Allen.
The Board of Regents
recently announced the 21-member search committee for the next president, and expects to appoint the 16th president of Iowa State University in early October. The committee is co-chaired by Luis Rico-Gutierrez, dean of the College of Design, and Dan Houston, Iowa State alumnus and president and CEO of Principal Financial Group.
"I believe it is my primary responsibility as interim president to maintain this positive momentum generated by the entire Iowa State community and work to ensure the next president is positioned for success," wrote Allen.
Please join us in welcoming the Allens back to the Cyclone family!
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