Geoffroy will step down

[isugcs]

I've been fearing this day for the last two or three years. Greg has given so much to ISU and you could tell he wasn't just treating this as another gig or stepping stone, which is RARE for ISU. He put ISU in the best position for success in the future and I don't blame Geoffry for stepping down at this time. I had the pleasure of shaking his had to get my degree.

I'm worried about the uncertainty this will place on so many great things happening at ISU. What we have going is so fragile and I just hope the powers that be recognize the importance of ISU to this state and region. This story going forward will definitely be something I'll be tuned into. Good luck Dr. Geoffry in your future endeavors and thank you for what you've given to the university I love!!!

[CONEClone]

I have full faith Geoffroy will choose a successor that is as effective as he was and will carry the same passion for ISU.

[isugcs]

I have full faith Geoffroy will choose a successor that is as effective as he was and will carry the same passion for ISU.

If only it was Geoffry's decision to make.

[CONEClone]

If only it was Geoffry's decision to make.

People. It's Geoffroy. Not Geoffry, Geoffory, or Jeffery. This is like people misspelling Rhoads' name.

That aside, from my understanding it isn't Geoffroy's decision to make solely. However, his role in the selection and his reputation he has built over the past 10 years will make him the single largest factor in deciding the next president.

[isugcs]

People. It's Geoffroy. Not Geoffry, Geoffory, or Jeffery. This is like people misspelling Rhoads' name.

That aside, from my understanding it isn't Geoffroy's decision to make solely. However, his role in the selection and his reputation he has built over the past 10 years will make him the single largest factor in deciding the next president.

Spell check rejects Geoffroy... who am I to question?

[CONEClone]

Spell check rejects Geoffroy... who am I to question?

Rhoads, Hoiberg, and Fennelly are all rejected by spell check so your point is moot.

[CYVADER]

i don't think it's the same as Rhoads or Hoiberg, but that aside, i'm proud i got to shake the mans hand.

[chrishull14]

I hope we continue the current trend of hiring locals who grew up in state and are very familiar with the situation. And actually care about Iowa State already.

[DoOrDie]

BIG loss. I was in President's Leadership Class, and we had class with him every week at the Knoll. He is a very smart, well-spoken man who improved the quality of our university during his tenure. He's a real class act!

[ISUAgronomist]

I hope we continue the current trend of hiring locals who grew up in state and are very familiar with the situation. And actually care about Iowa State already.

That's not how university president positions work unfortunately.

[CONEClone]

I hope we continue the current trend of hiring locals who grew up in state and are very familiar with the situation. And actually care about Iowa State already.

I hope we continue the trend of hiring individuals who care about Iowa State and aren't necessarily local...ala Cael.

[greatshu]

About 10 years ago, I set in the Jacobsen building to watch a football game and had an interesting conversation with someone in the President's office. Iowa was coming off their 1-10 season and he remarked that the U of I was taking a hit on tuition as a result of that poor football season. I asked why that would be the case and he stated that incoming college students do take athletics into consideration when choosing a school. Attending athletic events is part of the college experience and who wants to root for a perennial loser if you can find a similar education elsewhere. From the viewpoint of the administration, he said the perfect situation for the football team was to have a record from 4-7 to 8-3 (at that time). Not horrible but also not too good that you would begin to have high expectations and the commensurate problems.

It is a fact that enrollment goes up as football/basketball gets some sort of title (national title, BCS bowl game etc). It is VERY dangerous to recruit students based on athletics because it is VERY short term success. You may have record enrollment for the year you win the title, but you could go really really low enrollment the year after. The institution cannot solely rely on athletics performances, and need to focus more on quality of academics.

[alarson]

It is a fact that enrollment goes up as football/basketball gets some sort of title (national title, BCS bowl game etc). It is VERY dangerous to recruit students based on athletics because it is VERY short term success. You may have record enrollment for the year you win the title, but you could go really really low enrollment the year after. The institution cannot solely rely on athletics performances, and need to focus more on quality of academics.

Its not just enrollment that athletics benefits though. Athletics does a lot to keep alumni connected to the university, as well as bringing more people in general to the university and creating general awareness. These ultimately result in more donations to the university itself.

[Flag Guy]

It's a shame to hear this but not terribly surprising. Dr. Geoffroy has been a great leader for Iowa State and, and he will very much be missed.

He's provided good leadership academically, been a great supporter of Jamie Pollard and stood behind Jamie through some difficult times

He was also approachable and loved the students - every football game he'd walk through the student section and shake hands with the body painted nut jobs, always having a good time

When letting a class do the landscaping for the Knoll, his one requirement was that they leave a path for students to sled down in the winter (no doubt on "borrowed" dining hall trays!)

I wish him well as he pursues spending more time with his family, and hope that ISU can find someone that can fill the hole he's leaving behind

[RotatingColumn]

Embrace for impact.. Branstad is going to do it to us again.