Iowa State University Alumni Association| online edition | winter 2006

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RECRUITING AND RETAINING THE BEST FACULTY AT IOWA STATE: A Q&A WITH ISU PRESIDENT GREGORY GEOFFROY

In a recent conversation with VISIONS magazine, President Geoffroy discussed the important role that private support plays in recruiting and retaining the best faculty. He also outlined Iowa State’s fundraising priorities and shared his outlook for a bright future.

Q: When alumni visit campus, they’re always amazed at the changes they see. But there are times when steady continuity is harder to observe. From your point of view, what is the most important constant at Iowa State?

A: The excellence of our faculty. I love the words of a member of Iowa State’s Board of Trustees, written 127 years ago. “On the character and ability of its faculty will the character and success of the institution depend more than upon all other circumstances taken together.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. The faculty were the heart and soul of this institution when it opened its doors in 1868, and they remain so today.
There is nothing more important to me and to this university than recruiting and retaining top-notch teachers and researchers. While facilities, buildings, and technology are essential tools, the contributions this university makes to humanity are possible because of our people.

Q: So how are we doing? We understand that the race to attract “the best” is increasingly competitive.

A: We have areas of excellence in which our faculty are world leaders in their disciplines. We must keep them at Iowa State. But the number of tenured professors – faculty who are most likely to combine teaching and research in a way that is most beneficial to students and society – have declined a bit at Iowa State because of recent shortfalls in state support. Iowa State’s number of tenured, or tenure-track professors is the lowest it has been for the last 18 years. A recent report by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa showed that Iowa State ranks below most of our peer universities in percentage of tenured or tenure-eligible faculty.

Q: What’s the solution? Isn’t it the state’s job to provide for salaries?

A: Absolutely. But salaries are only part of what attracts top professionals. While we must always rely on state support, our margins of excellence represent opportunities that only private support can achieve. Faculty come to Iowa State and remain here because of opportunity for scholarly travel and growth, the prestige of our institution, sufficient funds to mentor students and conduct research, and the ability to acquire necessary equipment.The solution lies in tapping into the generosity of Iowa State’s friends and alumni, who believe that investing in people brings high returns.

Q: So if I wanted to “invest in faculty,” how would I go about doing it?
A: There are many ways – through deanships, faculty chairs, and professorships; faculty fellowships and awards; and lectureship and research funds. Endowments provide for enhanced salaries, prestige, and opportunities and can make a huge difference in our ability to attract and retain some of the world’s best scientists and teachers.

Q: Are you optimistic? Can Iowa State receive what it needs in this area from donors?

A: Absolutely! I’ve never been more optimistic. This last fiscal year, 55,279 people – the most in our university’s history – made gifts or future commitments. Donors committed $16.1 million for faculty support.

Q: What do you think motivates people to give?

A: When I visit with people, I hear lots of reasons. Many say it’s a way to give back. They’re successful because of their Iowa State experience and they want to say “thanks.” Some have been deeply touched by a teacher or mentor, and they want to honor that person. Some want to make a difference in the world and believe that through Iowa State faculty they can be an agent of change.

All have faith that Iowa State is fulfilling its mission – to create, share, and apply knowledge that will make Iowa and the world a better place.