News

Retallick named next associate dean for personnel and finance, Iles to step in as interim AGEDS chair

With a passion for leading others and thinking strategically about where the college and its departments and programs should go, Mike Retallick has been selected to serve as the next associate dean for personnel and finance for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, effective July 1.

Iowa Soybean Research Center announces leadership transition

On July 1, 2025, Iowa State University Associate Professor of Agronomy Mark Licht and Professor of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology Steve Whitham will join the Iowa Soybean Research Center (ISRC) as co-directors. After 11 years of leadership, founding ISRC Director and Morrill Professor of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology Greg Tylka will step away from the center at the end of 2025 to focus on his research responsibilities. 

Animal ecology major renamed wildlife and fisheries conservation and ecology

To clarify what students will study, the formerly named animal ecology major is now the wildlife and fisheries conservation and ecology major at Iowa State. Aside from the new name, no other changes were made – the degree requirements, classes and emphasis areas remain the same.

Change in leadership for CALS Career Services office

Plans are in place to continue offering students the high level of support the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Services office has become known for, following the recent retirement of two long-time employees.

AATF and Iowa State University sign MOU

Sweet success seen in ISU Creamery

The Iowa State University Creamery holds a long tradition of success that dates to the late 1880s. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Creamery's re-establishment after a 50-year hiatus.

Undergraduate researcher gets hands-on look at ‘limitless possibilities’ of genetics

Laboratory work in many undergraduate classes is focused on achieving a certain outcome. For Wren Murzyn, a senior in genetics at Iowa State University, uncertainty in the lab has been more valuable.

Heuchelin selected as next director of Iowa State’s Seed Science Center

Scott Heuchelin has spent a career working with seeds and crops, including the last several years specifically ensuring that seeds moved throughout the world are free of disease. Now, he’s returning to his alma mater to serve as the next director of Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center.

CALS student club spotlight: Agricultural Business Club

Learn about the Agricultural Business Club and see if it's a good fit for you!

Fostering connections among young ag professionals

Founded in 2012, Young Professionals in Agriculture seeks to connect young agricultural professionals in central Iowa. Members gather monthly to participate in industry tours, fun social events or community service opportunities.

Iowa State ecologist studying water treatment wetlands to optimize benefits

Do wetlands engineered for water quality treatment function in ways that provide benefits for biodiversity, similar to Iowa’s natural wetlands?

Change in leadership of Iowa State's Department of Economics

After 10 years of leading the Department of Economics at Iowa State University, Joshua Rosenbloom will conclude his service as chair on June 30 and remain a faculty member in the department. Peter Orazem, University Professor of Economics, will serve as interim department chair starting July 1.

Posthumous degree to be awarded at CALS Convocation

Seventy-three years after he completed his last class at Iowa State University, Raymond “Ray” Peter Carroll will posthumously be awarded his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and rural administration during CALS Convocation May 16 in Hilton Coliseum.

Five seniors to be honored during spring convocation

Each semester, seniors who have gone above and beyond while attending Iowa State University can be nominated to receive one of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council senior awards. This semester, five seniors will be honored at the May 16 CALS Convocation.