ISU Athletics Lands $5M Gift for Endowed Director of Athletics

Donation creates 'Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Director of Athletics' leadership position

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Iowa State University Athletics announced a $5 million commitment from an anonymous alumni couple to endow the athletics director position, creating the 'Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Director of Athletics' leadership role. The gift aims to support student-athletes' academic success, competitive excellence, and holistic development, as well as help the department navigate the evolving college athletics landscape.

Why it matters

The endowment comes at a critical time for ISU Athletics, which is facing a projected $147 million deficit over the next six years due to factors like Big 12 Conference realignment, changes to the College Football Playoff revenue model, and the ability to pay student-athletes. The gift will help the department attract and retain top coaches and staff to support student-athletes.

The details

The $5 million gift will create a permanent 'Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Director of Athletics' leadership position, honoring the Pollards' 'exceptional service, vision and enduring impact on Cyclone Athletics.' The donors hope the endowment will inspire future athletic directors to lead with 'courage, clarity and purpose' and advance the institution with the same 'passion and integrity' demonstrated by Jamie and Ellen Pollard.

  • The gift was announced in February 2026.
  • Jamie Pollard has served as Iowa State's athletics director since 2005.

The players

Jamie Pollard

Iowa State University's athletics director since 2005, making him the second-longest serving active AD in the Power Four conferences.

Ellen Pollard

Wife of Iowa State athletics director Jamie Pollard.

Anonymous alumni couple

The donors who provided the $5 million gift to endow the athletics director position at Iowa State University.

David Cook

Incoming president of Iowa State University, set to start on March 1.

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What they’re saying

“Ellen and I are deeply humbled by this extraordinary and unexpected honor. We are also excited for what this gift means for the future of Cyclone Athletics.”

— Jamie Pollard, Athletics Director (thegazette.com)

“Under Jamie's guidance, the athletics department has expanded opportunities for student-athletes and fostered a culture defined by character, resilience and high performance. By making this a permanent endowed fund, we sincerely hope to inspire future athletic directors to lead with courage, clarity and purpose — always placing student-athletes at the center of the mission and advancing the institution with the same passion and integrity demonstrated by Jamie and Ellen.”

— Anonymous donors (thegazette.com)

“We are so fortunate to have a respected, seasoned leader like Jamie guiding our Cyclone programs during this transformational time for collegiate athletics. With this solid foundation, supported by the generosity of this alumni couple, I look forward to working closely with Jamie to accelerate our fundraising efforts and ensure a bright future for our student-athletes and Cyclone Nation.”

— David Cook, Incoming ISU President (thegazette.com)

What’s next

The $5 million gift will be used to establish the 'Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Director of Athletics' leadership position, which will support student-athletes' academic success, competitive excellence, and holistic development, as well as help the department attract and retain top coaches and staff.

The takeaway

This endowment comes at a critical time for Iowa State Athletics, which is facing significant financial challenges due to changes in college sports. The gift demonstrates the university's commitment to supporting its athletics programs and student-athletes, and highlights the importance of private philanthropy in sustaining the future of collegiate athletics.