Iowa State University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Iowa State University has 10 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, information technology oversight, development operations, and student leadership representation.

Committed to academic excellence and land-grant values, Iowa State University fosters innovation through extensive research opportunities, global study programs, and professional internships for a diverse student body.

Leadership Roles at Iowa State University

  • President - Adam Theis
  • President - Vasudha Arora
  • STATers President - Debarshi Chakraborty
  • President - Nicholas Walter
  • Chapter President - Milan Loutsch
  • President - Shane Maleonskie
  • President - Emmanuel Mantey
  • Chief of Staff - Jonathan Shaeffer
  • Senior Director - Chief Information Officer Office - Angela Bradley
  • Chief of Staff & Director, Develpment - Julie Larson
  • Adam Theis - President

    Adam Theis, the President at Iowa State University, provides executive leadership for the organization, focusing on long-term vision and institutional growth. Theis directs the overall strategy for the university, ensuring that academic programs and research initiatives meet the needs of a global student population. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders and academic institutions, the President expands the reach and influence of the university. Adam Theis oversees the allocation of resources to support student organizations, internships, and study abroad opportunities. This leadership role involves engaging with stakeholders to promote the value of public land-grant education. Through the implementation of strategic policies, the President drives excellence in teaching and community service. Theis maintains a focus on student success and institutional reputation, ensuring that the university remains a leader in higher education. Ultimately, the President secures the future of the institution by championing innovation and academic rigor across all campus operations.
    Adam Theis

    Vasudha Arora - President

    Vasudha Arora, the President at Iowa State University, leads specific student-focused initiatives and organizational governance to enhance the campus experience. Arora directs the development of programs that support student research and professional development, ensuring that the university remains a hub for academic growth. By coordinating with student leaders and faculty, the President fosters an inclusive environment that encourages participation in internships and global study programs. Vasudha Arora oversees the implementation of policies that improve student engagement and academic outcomes. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of the needs of the student body and the ability to translate those needs into actionable institutional strategies. Through the promotion of collaborative projects, the President drives innovation in student services and campus life. Arora maintains a commitment to the land-grant mission by ensuring that educational opportunities remain accessible and impactful. Ultimately, the President secures a vibrant and supportive community for all students.

    Debarshi Chakraborty - STATers President

    Debarshi Chakraborty, the STATers President at Iowa State University, leads the student organization dedicated to professional development and networking within the university community. Chakraborty directs the planning of events and workshops that connect students with industry professionals and alumni. By facilitating these interactions, the STATers President enhances the career readiness of the student body and promotes the value of practical experience. Debarshi Chakraborty oversees the recruitment and engagement of members, ensuring that the organization remains a vital resource for students seeking internships and research opportunities. This leadership role involves managing organizational budgets and coordinating with university departments to support student-led initiatives. Through the creation of professional development pathways, the STATers President drives student success and career placement. Chakraborty maintains a focus on building a strong community of learners who are prepared for the challenges of the modern workforce. Ultimately, the STATers President secures the professional growth of the student population.

    Nicholas Walter - President

    Nicholas Walter, the President at Iowa State University, manages specialized academic and research-focused initiatives that drive institutional innovation. Walter directs the efforts of research teams and academic committees to ensure that the university remains at the forefront of scientific and technological advancement. By overseeing the integration of research findings into the curriculum, the President enhances the quality of education for all students. Nicholas Walter coordinates with external partners to secure funding for large-scale projects and interdisciplinary studies. This leadership role requires a focus on maintaining high academic standards and fostering a culture of inquiry. Through the strategic management of research facilities and resources, the President drives the development of new knowledge and practical solutions. Walter maintains a commitment to the land-grant mission by ensuring that research outcomes benefit the broader community. Ultimately, the President secures the reputation of the university as a premier research institution.

    Milan Loutsch - Chapter President

    Milan Loutsch, the Chapter President at Iowa State University, leads regional outreach and alumni engagement efforts to strengthen the university network. Loutsch directs the activities of the local chapter, organizing events that foster connections between current students, alumni, and the broader community. By managing these relationships, the Chapter President promotes the university mission and encourages support for student programs and internships. Milan Loutsch oversees the communication strategy for the chapter, ensuring that members remain informed about institutional developments and opportunities for involvement. This leadership role involves coordinating with university administration to align chapter activities with broader institutional goals. Through the cultivation of a strong alumni base, the Chapter President drives support for the university and enhances the professional network available to students. Loutsch maintains a focus on building lasting connections that benefit the entire university community. Ultimately, the Chapter President secures the long-term engagement of the alumni network.

    Shane Maleonskie - President

    Shane Maleonskie, the President at Iowa State University, leads operational and administrative functions that support the daily activities of the university. Maleonskie directs the implementation of policies that ensure the smooth functioning of campus services and student support systems. By overseeing the coordination of various departments, the President maintains an environment conducive to learning and research. Shane Maleonskie manages the allocation of resources to support student organizations and extracurricular activities, ensuring that all students have access to a well-rounded educational experience. This leadership role requires a focus on operational efficiency and the ability to address the evolving needs of the campus community. Through the promotion of collaborative efforts, the President drives improvements in service delivery and student satisfaction. Maleonskie maintains a commitment to the land-grant mission by ensuring that the university remains a supportive and effective institution. Ultimately, the President secures the operational stability of the university.

    Emmanuel Mantey - President

    Emmanuel Mantey, the President at Iowa State University, leads initiatives focused on global engagement and international student support. Mantey directs the development of study abroad programs and international partnerships that broaden the educational horizons of the student body. By overseeing these global initiatives, the President ensures that the university remains a diverse and inclusive environment for learners from all backgrounds. Emmanuel Mantey coordinates with international organizations to facilitate research collaborations and student exchange opportunities. This leadership role involves promoting the university on a global stage and attracting talent to the campus. Through the expansion of international programs, the President drives the development of a global perspective among students and faculty. Mantey maintains a focus on fostering cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence. Ultimately, the President secures the position of the university as a globally connected and forward-thinking institution.

    Jonathan Shaeffer - Chief of Staff

    Jonathan Shaeffer, the Chief of Staff at Iowa State University, manages high-level administrative operations and coordinates strategic initiatives across the institution. Shaeffer facilitates communication between executive leadership and various academic departments to ensure alignment with the university mission. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff enhances organizational efficiency and supports the execution of long-term institutional goals. Jonathan Shaeffer monitors project timelines and resource allocation, providing critical oversight for university-wide programs. This role involves frequent collaboration with senior administrators to address complex operational challenges and improve service delivery. Through meticulous planning and cross-functional coordination, the Chief of Staff maintains the operational integrity of the university. Shaeffer drives continuous improvement in administrative workflows, ensuring that all departments remain focused on student success and research advancement. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the stability of internal systems while promoting a culture of accountability and excellence throughout the campus community.

    Angela Bradley - Senior Director - Chief Information Officer Office

    Angela Bradley, the Senior Director - Chief Information Officer Office at Iowa State University, directs the technological infrastructure and digital strategy for the institution. Bradley oversees the implementation of advanced computing systems that support academic research and student learning environments. By managing the digital roadmap, the Senior Director - Chief Information Officer Office ensures that campus technology remains robust, secure, and scalable. Angela Bradley coordinates with IT teams to integrate innovative software solutions that enhance the educational experience for students and faculty. This leadership position requires constant evaluation of emerging digital trends to maintain a competitive edge in higher education. Through the optimization of data management and network reliability, the Senior Director - Chief Information Officer Office supports the broader mission of the university. Bradley drives digital transformation initiatives that improve operational efficiency and connectivity across all departments. Ultimately, the Senior Director - Chief Information Officer Office provides the essential technical foundation for modern academic success.

    Julie Larson - Chief of Staff & Director, Develpment

    Julie Larson, the Chief of Staff & Director, Develpment at Iowa State University, leads fundraising strategies and administrative coordination to support institutional growth. Larson manages donor relations and capital campaigns that provide essential resources for student scholarships and research facilities. By aligning development goals with the university mission, the Chief of Staff & Director, Develpment secures the financial future of the institution. Julie Larson oversees the execution of outreach programs that engage alumni and corporate partners in meaningful philanthropic efforts. This dual-focused role requires balancing high-level administrative duties with the complexities of large-scale fundraising initiatives. Through strategic planning and relationship management, the Chief of Staff & Director, Develpment expands the university footprint and enhances the quality of academic programs. Larson drives initiatives that foster long-term financial sustainability and community support. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff & Director, Develpment ensures that the university possesses the necessary capital to maintain excellence in education and research.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Iowa State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Iowa State University?
    Iowa State University is led by Adam Theis (President), along with executives such as Vasudha Arora (President) and Debarshi Chakraborty (STATers President).
    Who is part of Iowa State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Iowa State University includes leaders such as Adam Theis (President), Vasudha Arora (President), Debarshi Chakraborty (STATers President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Iowa State University have?
    Iowa State University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Iowa State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Iowa State University includes roles such as President, President, STATers President, President, Chapter President.