Iowa State University President Focuses on 'Listening and Learning' in First Weeks

New leader David Cook aims to connect with students and community in early days on campus.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:36pm

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A blurred, impressionistic photograph of a university dining hall, with the faint outline of a bell tower visible in the background, conveying a sense of community and connection.Iowa State's new president makes connecting with students a priority in his first weeks on campus.Ames Today

In his first month as president of Iowa State University, David Cook has been making a concerted effort to immerse himself in campus life, from dining with students in the cafeteria to visiting the top of the iconic Campanile. Cook, who previously served as president of North Dakota State University, was selected to lead ISU in November 2025 and is now focused on getting to know the community.

Why it matters

As a new university president, Cook's initial approach of actively engaging with students and the broader campus community signals an intention to understand the institution's unique culture and priorities before implementing any major changes. This 'listening and learning' phase is a common strategy for new leaders looking to build trust and credibility with stakeholders.

The details

Since starting his role in March 2026, Cook has made a point of being present across the ISU campus, from dining with students at the Seasons Marketplace cafeteria to visiting the top of the Campanile, the university's iconic bell tower. He says his goal is to be 'everywhere all the time' in these early days, in order to immerse himself in campus life and connect directly with the ISU community.

  • Cook was selected as ISU's new president in November 2025.
  • He began his role in March 2026.
  • On March 3, 2026, Cook was photographed dining with students at Seasons Marketplace.

The players

David Cook

The new president of Iowa State University, who previously served as president of North Dakota State University.

Iowa State University

A public research university located in Ames, Iowa, known for its strong engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine programs.

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What they’re saying

“I try to be everywhere all the time, which is a lot of fun.”

— David Cook, President, Iowa State University

The takeaway

Cook's early focus on immersing himself in the Iowa State community signals his intention to build trust and credibility with students, faculty, and staff before implementing any major changes or initiatives. This 'listening and learning' approach is a common strategy for new university presidents looking to understand an institution's unique culture and priorities.