Iowa State University’s people have contributed greatly to Iowa, the nation and the global community. Through invention, instruction, innovation, and inspiration, Iowa State’s campus cultural heritage and core values have been expressed through these influential person’s contributions. The Iowa State University Biographical Dictionary publication, an undertaking begun in 2014, highlights an overview of those persons and their outstanding accomplishments thus weaving Iowa State’s land-grant history into the broader history of academics and the nation.
“Iowa State University is a very special place, full of history. But what truly makes it unique is a rare combination of campus beauty, the opportunity to be a part of the land-grant experiment, and to create a progressive and inventive spirit that we call the Cyclone experience. Appreciate what we have here, for it is indeed, one of a kind.” -Tanya Zanish-Belcher, former project coordinator
The history of Iowa State University spans over 160 years and includes the lives of thousands of individuals who were associated with the University. As a way of expanding our knowledge about the most significant contributors to the life of the University, the Iowa State University Biographical Dictionary project serves as an online reference work intended for anyone interested in learning more about the significant women and men who contributed to the growth of Iowa State University from its inception in 1858 through the early years of the 21st century.
Summary
The alumni, students, staff and faculty of Iowa State University have made tremendous contributions to the state, nation and the world. This biographical dictionary is dedicated to sharing the stories of those individuals who have graced our campus at one time or another and who have demonstrated unique service to the university. The Iowa State University Biographical Dictionary provides an exceedingly useful reference work that will serve as a reliable source for biographical information about the men and women whose life and work contributed to the greatness of Iowa State University. The goal of this project is to provide a high level of accessibility to information, conservation of institutional history, and promotion of Iowa State heritage, culture and accomplishments.
Thank you to all the authors who have contributed to this project, especially those who took on authorship of multiple entries. Special thanks to Marv Bergman for his guidance, and former project interns Maggie Curry, Sarah Bartlett and Ben Mayer for their invaluable contributions to this project’s success.
Disclaimer
Periodically, over 200 additional entries will be added as edited from a currently established list created by the selection committee.
The selection committee strived to represent a vast cross section of Iowa State, however we recognize that there are so many more influential individuals that have impacted the 160 years of our University. Suggestions for additional entries are not being entertained at this time.
Since this project began in 2013 and stretched over eight years, some information may by out of date. All life dates are current as of the August 1, 2021 initial publication of this digital material. To suggest an edit or correction to an existing entry, please email editor Allison Sheridan at aclone@iastate.edu.