Board of Regents President Sherry Bates will resign this week

URBANDALE — With more than three years left on her six-year term, Board of Regents President Sherry Bates on Monday announced plans to resign from the board Thursday — and a Republican lawmaker celebrated the opportunity for a “change in direction.”

President Pro Tem Greta Rouse also on Monday said she’ll step down from her leadership post on the nine-member board — although she’ll remain a regent through the end of her term in 2027.

“It’s time for me to step back, spend more time with my family, and allow the next generation of regent leadership to continue our good work,” outgoing President Bates said in a statement. “Iowa, Iowa State and UNI are among the best public universities in the country, and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow and excel.”

Rouse, in commenting on her leadership resignation, said she’s still committed to the board and its mission, but “leadership requires an additional time commitment.”

“With our children still young, I want to focus on my family,” Rouse said. “Iowa’s universities inspire the next generation, drive our economy, advance research, and enrich communities across the state. Stepping down from leadership will allow me to do that while continuing to support their important work.”

The board has called an emergency meeting for Wednesday to elect new regent leadership. And Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis — chair of the House Committee on Higher Education — issued a statement following the resignations.

“This leadership upheaval presents an opportunity to chart a new path for the Iowa Board of Regents,” Collins said. “For years now, lawmakers have called for a change in direction for not only our universities, but also the Board of Regents.

“I look forward to working with the next board president to continue to reform Iowa’s higher education system.”

Bates’ resignation leaves two holes in the board — after former regent David Barker left in October to serve as U.S. assistant secretary for postsecondary education under the Trump administration.

Gov. Kim Reynolds is responsible for appointing members to the board — which governs Iowa’s three public universities. A two-thirds senate majority must confirm her appointments — which must have political and gender balance.

This is a developing story. Check back for more details.

Vanessa Miller covers higher education for The Gazette.

Comments: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com