ISU Business Dean David Spalding Steps Down
- after serving as dean of Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business since 2013, David Spalding is retiring on June 30.
- During his time as dean, the business college experienced considerable growth.
- Spalding also highlighted the construction of a 45,000-square-foot addition to the Gerdin Business Building, completed in 2020 without state funding, as a key achievement.
David Spalding Concludes Tenure at Iowa State Business College
Updated June 15, 2025
after serving as dean of Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business since 2013, David Spalding is retiring on June 30. This marks his third attempt at retirement, as he found himself drawn back into professional roles previously. Spalding, 71, will continue to contribute to ISU as vice president of economic development and industry relations, a position he has held for seven years.
During his time as dean, the business college experienced considerable growth. Enrollment increased by 26.3% between fall 2013 and fall 2024, with graduate enrollment surging by 99%.Spalding also spearheaded fundraising efforts, securing over $177 million in donations, including a significant $50 million gift from Debbie and Jerry Ivy, which led to the college being named in their honor. The college expanded its offerings,increasing undergraduate majors from eight to 14 and master’s degree programs from three to 11.
Spalding also highlighted the construction of a 45,000-square-foot addition to the Gerdin Business Building, completed in 2020 without state funding, as a key achievement. He emphasized the importance of donor support in funding the expansion and establishing a $2 million maintenance fund.
“I really think that is a tribute to my efforts to elevate my team and prepare them for success and take that next role,” said Spalding,ISU’s longest serving business dean.
Raj Agnihotri will succeed Spalding as dean on July 1. Spalding acknowledged the challenges Agnihotri will face, especially the anticipated enrollment decline in higher education due to decreasing fertility rates.He also noted the ongoing need to adapt to the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
“I think the biggest challenge he’s going to face is dealing with this upcoming enrollment cliff,” Spalding said, referring to Agnihotri’s challenges as the new dean.
What’s next
Spalding plans to travel with his wife, Marianne. Their first trip is to Dublin, Ireland, for the Iowa state versus Kansas State football game in August.