North Dakota State University President Named as Iowa State University Presidential Finalist

North Dakota State University President David Cook. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) –  North Dakota State University President David Cook will be the second finalist to vie for the Iowa State University presidency on campus this week, according to an announcement from the Iowa Board of Regents.

The university governing body said that Cook, an ISU alum with teaching and leadership experience at North Dakota State and Kansas University, will come to Ames this week for campus interviews and a public forum. The forum will take place from 4-5 p.m. in the Durham Great Hall of the Memorial Union, and will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person.

In his curriculum vitae, published online by the board of regents, Cook stated that he is “committed to advancing Iowa State’s mission as a student-centric, innovative, global land-grant leader.”

Cook is the second candidate for the role slated to visit campus this week, with Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean Benjamin Houlton participating in interviews and a forum Wednesday. The candidate selected by the Iowa Board of Regents will replace President Wendy Wintersteen when she retires at the start of 2026.