The Iowa Board of Regents voted unanimously to employ Dr. David Cook as president of Iowa State University, with an initial five-year term beginning March 1, 2026, the board announced at its November 2025 meeting.

The presiding officer read the employment terms on the record: an annual salary of $700,000; a five-year deferred compensation plan with annual contributions of $100,000; a monthly housing allowance of $8,000; and a vehicle allowance of $1,500. Regent Kramer moved the employment motion, and Regent Rouse seconded it. A roll-call vote recorded each regent voting "yes," and the motion was approved.

Board members had first voted earlier in the meeting to enter a closed session under Iowa Code 21.5 to evaluate the professional competency of individuals being considered for appointment or hiring; the presiding officer said each individual had requested a closed evaluation. The motion to enter closed session was moved by Regent Dunkel, seconded by Regent Jaden, and approved by unanimous roll-call vote.

After the vote approving his employment, Dr. David Cook addressed the board. "It's quite an honor, so I really do appreciate it," he said, adding he felt "overwhelmed" and grateful for the hospitality through the process. He praised predecessor President Wintersteen and said he looked forward to working with the university community. "So let's get going," he concluded.

The board adjourned the public meeting and moved to the alumni center for the next portion of the event.

Notes: The transcript records the board citing "Iowa code 21.5" as authority for the closed session. The meeting transcript contains inconsistent spellings of some regents' names across segments; where possible the article uses the spelling that appears most consistently in the record.