Read message from incoming Iowa State University president

AMES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa State Capital Bureau) -- Dave Cook, who currently serves as president of North Dakota State University, is preparing to return to the town where he grew up. On Tuesday, the Iowa Board of Regents announced that Cook would become the next president of Iowa State University.

Cook is an Ames native and ISU graduate. Tuesday night, Cook posted a message on social media about moving to his new role.

Cook has served as NDSU president since 2022. At ISU, Cook succeeds Wendy Wintersteen who plans to retire after nine years in this position.

An Iowa Board of Regents release confirmed details of Cooks’ employment agreement:

• Start date: March 1st, 2026
• Contract length: Five years
• Annual salary: $700,000
• Additional yearly compensation: $100,000 deferred compensation plan