Gregory Geoffroy announced today he will step down as president of Iowa State University after nearly 10 years on the job.
 
He will leave his position no later than July 31, 2012.
 
In a letter distributed to faculty and staff this morning, Geoffroy, 64, cited the accomplishment of key goals and the desire of him and his wife, Kathy, to spend more time with their family as the primary factors in his decision.
 
“It’s been such a pleasure to be associated with so many talented and dedicated individuals within and outside the university. The Iowa State family is, and always will be, a special part of my life,” Geoffroy wrote. “But my life also includes four children and four grandchildren spread across the country. Kathy and I want to spend much more time with them, and that’s not possible in my current role.”
 
Geoffroy became the 14th president of the university on July 1, 2001. He led the development of two five-year strategic plans. Under Geoffroy’s leadership, Iowa State has set records in fund raising, enrollment and external funding.
 
The university’s Campaign Iowa State surpassed its $800 million goal, and the university hit a record with $388.2 million in grants, contracts, gifts and cooperative agreements in fiscal year 2010, a 27 percent increase over the previous year’s record.
 
Geoffroy doubled the number of endowed faculty positions at Iowa State, and more than 20 major building projects have been completed during his tenure as president.
 
Iowa Board of Regents President David Miles indicated that the search for Geoffroy’s successor will be discussed at the April 28 meeting.