USDA official in running to lead Iowa State University

The director of a government agriculture and food institute is the first of four finalists to be named this week for the job of Iowa State University president.

Sonny Ramaswamy, director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, will hold a public forum from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union on the Ames campus.

In his resume, Ramaswamy said he was appointed to the position in 2012 by-then President Barack Obama. He oversees a budget of $1.6 billion and a staff of 400 permeant, temporary and contract workers.

Previously, he served in leadership positions at Oregon State University, Purdue University and Kansas State University.

The previous ISU president, Steven Leath, announced in March he was leaving to become president of Auburn University in Alabama.

A committee searching for his replacement has winnowed the finalists down to four people, who each are expected to appear on campus this week. Their names will be made public a day ahead of their visits.

The Iowa Board of Regents is scheduled to hold a special meeting Oct. 23 to interview the finalists and hire one to be ISU president.