Retallick Named Associate Dean at Iowa State University

By Andi Anderson

Mike Retallick has been appointed as the next associate dean for personnel and finance in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University. The role will officially begin on July 1.

Retallick, who has led the Department of Agricultural Education and Studies (AGEDS) since 2016, will continue in that position until August. At that time, Jeff Iles, professor of horticulture and former chair of the Department of Horticulture, will step in as interim chair of AGEDS.

Daniel J. Robison, dean of CALS, praised Retallick’s leadership and dedication to the college’s mission. “Dr. Retallick has done a tremendous job... and totally embraces the community and land-grant spirit of the college,” Robison stated.

Retallick has been with Iowa State since 2001, beginning as an academic advisor and later advancing to professor. He has also been deeply involved in university service, contributing to many committees and task forces such as the CALS Online Learning Taskforce and the Provost’s Chairs Cabinet.

He is currently the interim director of the CALS Science with Practice program and previously served as its full-time director. Retallick holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, Kansas State University, and Iowa State University.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Retallick said, “This role is instrumental to the success and advancement of the college... I look forward to working across departments to support our teaching, research, and outreach missions.”

Ruth MacDonald, who has served as the first associate dean for personnel and finance, will complete her term on June 30 and continue as interim chair of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.

A formal search for a permanent AGEDS chair will begin soon.

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university