AMES, Iowa – Gretta Irwin, executive director and home economist with the Iowa Turkey Federation, will present the 2025 William K. Deal Leadership Lecture Dec. 3, at Iowa State University.
Her presentation, “It Takes One: Leadership, Legacy, and the Power of Belief,” will begin at 4:30 p.m. in Dolezal Auditorium, 0127 Curtiss Hall, on Iowa State’s campus. The event is free and open to the public.
Irwin earned her degree at Central College in Pella and has served in her role with the Iowa Turkey Federation since 1994. During that time, she has led efforts to increase recognition of Iowa’s turkey industry throughout the state and nation.
She is known for a grounded, purpose-driven approach to leadership. Irwin will share how a variety of life experiences – working with leaders in agriculture, observing mentors and acting on her values – shape her leadership style.
Irwin has a deep relationship and commitment to Iowa State. Recognizing the need for more turkey research and education at the university, she was a key player in advocating, fundraising and assisting in the design for the Stanley L. Balloun Turkey Teaching and Research Facility and guiding the Iowa Turkey Federation to make financial contributions toward the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. She enjoys “talking turkey” with students and frequently speaks with classes and clubs on campus.
Recently, she was presented with an ISU Honorary Alumni Award for her dedication, advocacy and generosity that have helped strengthen Iowa State and the agricultural community it serves.
The William K. Deal Leadership Lecture is made possible by its namesake, the late William K. Deal, who earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Iowa State in 1958. The lecture is organized by the Department of Agricultural Education and Studies in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and co-sponsored by the Committee on Lectures funded by the Government of the Student Body.
Contacts
Sam Stalzer, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Development, 515-294-9294, sstalzer@foundation.iastate.edu
Whitney Baxter, Agriculture and Life Sciences Communications, 515-294-2314, wjsager@iastate.edu