Iowa State faculty advocate for competitive salaries amid rising healthcare costs

The Iowa Board of Regents meeting on April 24, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding faculty compensation and the overall support for staff at Iowa State University (ISU). The meeting featured passionate presentations from representatives of ISU, emphasizing the deep-rooted connections faculty have with the university and the state of Iowa.

The first speaker, representing ISU faculty, shared a personal narrative about her family's long-standing ties to the university, underscoring the commitment of faculty to shaping students' futures and advancing research. However, she pointed out that faculty members are facing financial challenges, including rising health insurance costs and stagnant salaries that do not keep pace with inflation. This situation has led to a sense of disillusionment among faculty, as many feel they are effectively taking pay cuts due to increased expenses.

The speaker stressed the importance of competitive salaries and benefits to retain talented faculty, arguing that their departure not only affects the university but also the state of Iowa as a whole. She called for investment in faculty as a means to honor their dedication and ensure that ISU remains a vital institution for innovation and opportunity.

Following this, Jason Follett, president of the ISU Professional and Scientific Council, addressed the board, highlighting the contributions of professional and scientific employees at ISU. He noted that this group is the largest employee segment at the university and plays a crucial role in its operations. Follett emphasized the need for better advocacy and support for these employees, who are also feeling undervalued amidst ongoing financial pressures.

Follett urged the Board of Regents to engage more actively with political leaders to advocate for increased funding and support for Iowa's public universities. He pointed out that flat or decreasing state funding, coupled with rising costs, poses a significant threat to the quality of education and services provided by ISU.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the Board of Regents to strengthen their advocacy efforts and ensure that both faculty and staff feel valued and supported in their roles. The discussions underscored the critical need for investment in Iowa's educational institutions to maintain their status as pillars of opportunity and progress for the state and beyond.