NDSU President David Cook Named Finalist for Iowa State Job

BREAKING: North Dakota State University (NDSU) President David Cook has been named a finalist for the president’s position at Iowa State University. Cook is scheduled for an on-campus interview in Ames, Iowa, on November 6, 2023, which could significantly impact his future and the direction of both institutions.

This development comes just over a year after Cook took the helm at NDSU in May 2022. He is one of two finalists, the other being Benjamin Houlton, the dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

The Iowa State University website indicates that following the campus interviews, the Board of Regents will convene in a closed session on November 11, 2023, to receive feedback from the search committee co-chairs, interview the final candidates, and ultimately select the next president.

Cook’s tenure at NDSU began after he succeeded Dean Bresciani, marking him as the university’s 15th president. His previous roles include significant leadership positions at the University of Kansas, where he served as vice chancellor for Public Affairs and Economic Development, as well as vice chancellor of the KU Edwards Campus.

Cook’s extensive academic background includes 14 years at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where he earned tenure and served on the leadership cabinet. He also conducted dissertation research in Shanghai and participated in an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

This announcement raises questions about the future leadership at NDSU and the potential changes that may arise if Cook secures the position at Iowa State. As the situation develops, stakeholders from both universities and communities are closely monitoring the outcomes of these interviews.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to cover this evolving story. The implications of this decision could reshape the academic landscape in the Midwest, making it essential for students, faculty, and alumni to stay informed.