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David Spalding

David Spalding talking with potential student and family

Iowa State University’s longest serving business dean to retire this summer

As seen in the spring 2025 Ivy magazine.

David Spalding didn’t grow up in Iowa. He didn’t even grow up in the Midwest. Even so, no one embraced the culture, the people, and the state’s athletic rivalries as well as he did.

The longest serving business dean in Iowa State University history, Spalding will retire this summer after 12 years of hard work taking the college to new heights and record achievements.

In 2013, Spalding was hired to serve as the College of Business dean. He moved to Ames, Iowa, after serving eight years at Dartmouth College, including as senior vice president and senior advisor to the president.

Before entering higher education, Spalding had a 29-year career in finance in New York, New York. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth and his MBA from New York University. His experiences on Wall Street are a common topic of discussion when students and families meet him.

During his years as dean, Spalding led the efforts of unprecedented success in fundraising, which included a $50 million gift that named the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business. It is the first college to be named at Iowa State.

  • David-Spalding

    Spalding’s achievements as dean

    • Growing undergraduate and graduate enrollment to record levels.
    • Establishing new academic programs to address Iowa’s workforce demand.
    • Completing a 45,000-square-foot addition to the Gerdin Business Building.
    • Unprecedented success in fundraising.
    • Raising the college’s profile and record high rankings in U.S. News & World Report.

    “I would like to thank everyone who works hard every day to make the college a success. Our faculty and staff are committed to the success of our students, our research mission, and Iowa State University. I couldn’t do this without them.”  — David Spalding

“David Spalding has transformed the Ivy College of Business during his 12 years as dean,” said Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen. “He has engaged students, alumni, and Iowa’s business community to create an exceptional educational experience that prepares graduates for successful careers across a wide range of fields and sets a high bar for peers across the nation.”

When he hears those accolades, he is the first person to remind everyone this takes a team.

“I would like to thank everyone who works hard every day to make the college a success,” Spalding said. “Our faculty and staff are committed to the success of our students, our research mission, and Iowa State University. I couldn’t do this without them.”

In addition to his role as dean, Spalding has served as vice president for Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR) at Iowa State since July 2018.

Spalding will continue to serve a part-time appointment as vice president of EDIR. He and his wife, Marianne, plan to stay in Ames, where they will continue to cheer for Cyclone athletics.

Timeline of achievements

2013

Hired as the fifth dean of the college.

2017

Secured a $50 million dollar gift to name the college.

2018

Reappointed as dean (again in 2023).

2020

Completed a 45,000-square-foot addition to the Gerdin Business Building.

2024

Led the college to record enrollment (undergraduate and graduate).

2024

Led the college through successful reaccreditation (for the third time).

Additional achievements under Spalding’s leadership

  • Successfully operated during the COVID pandemic, shifting 334 sections online after spring break 2020. In a survey, Ivy faculty were more likely to say that they relied on college resources to do this successfully.
  • Increased the number of undergraduate majors from nine to 14.
  • Increased the number of master’s degrees from four to eight.
  • Increased graduate enrollment by 99.1 percent from fall 2013 to fall 2024. Total enrollment grew 26.3 percent during that
    same time.
  • Successfully launched an executive MBA (EMBA) focused on food, agriculture, and biosystems. It is the only EMBA program in Iowa.
  • Hired 65 tenured/tenure-eligible faculty, bringing us to a total of 87 tenured/tenure-eligible faculty in fall 2024.
  • Eliminated “pre-business” as a requirement for incoming students starting fall 2023. Ivy is the only Iowa public college of business that allows all students to be directly admitted into a major with no other requirements. This is a recruiting advantage and has been embraced by students.
  • Continued to launch new programs to meet the needs of lifelong learners, including an online bachelor of business administration (BBA), an online part-time MBA (fall 2023), and an online master of accounting analytics (summer 2024). Additional programs moving through the approval processes are a master in financial technology in partnership with the Department of Computer Science and an undergraduate certificate in risk management and insurance.
  • The Ivy Custom Education program had a successful start in 2023. We delivered programs for four companies with more than 100 executives and leaders participating.
  • The Ivy first-year retention rate increased from 84 percent to 85 percent this year. Assigning all Ivy freshmen to a Learning Community has enhanced our retention levels.
  • We have refocused our faculty research support to those faculty who can publish in a select group of academic journals that can move our academic reputation, known as Ivy Elite journals. We increased the number of those publications from 23 in the calendar year 2022 to 30 in the calendar year 2024. This is the highest number of Ivy Elite journal articles in at least the last four years.

Students, alumni, and friends share their thoughts

  • Debbie Ivy

    “Jerry and I met David shortly after he arrived in Ames. Over the years, and as we became more involved with the college, it was our pleasure to work with David and share his enthusiasm for everything pertaining to the students, faculty, and opportunities opening up. We learned a lot about his vision for the College of Business. He was gracious in answering and explaining all our questions. His laughter is infectious, and we often heard it and the joy he shared when interacting with people. We wish David and Marianne all the best as he steps back – but not out – of life at Iowa State University. Thank you, David.”

    Debbie Ivy (’19 honorary)
    College namesake Dean’s Advisory Council member since 2017
    Secretary/Treasurer,
    Auto-Chlor Systems

  • Wendy-Wintersteen

    Wendy Wintersteen

    “David has been an exceptional leader of both the Ivy College of Business and our economic development programs. His work has made a profound difference for our students, faculty, and staff, helping them realize academic and entrepreneurial success while also generating economic growth across Iowa’s 99 counties.”

    Wendy Wintersteen
    President, Iowa State University

  • MacKenzie-Sheridan

    Mackenzie Sheridan

    “Dean Spalding’s impact on Ivy and myself will be long-lasting. Each semester he takes time to come and meet with the Ivy Student Council and engages in open conversation with each member. He allows students to be heard and feel seen, which is only one of the many examples of why he will be missed as dean of the Ivy College of Business.

    His laughter and kindness make the halls of Gerdin feel full!”

    Mackenzie Sheridan (junior, marketing)
    President, Ivy Student Council

  • Emily-MatulacEmily Matulac

    “Dean Spalding has truly made an impact on my journey throughout college and beyond. He has always been so open and appreciative of student feedback, always encouraging us to set up a meeting to talk to him, and he truly cares and wants to implement the feedback you have. I have felt completely supported by him, whether it be him talking you up to the CEO of the company you are interning for or taking the 30 seconds to stop and chat in the halls to see how you are doing, and I will always remember that feeling of being seen and heard. Dean Spalding is going to be missed by so many, and his impact will not fade from those he’s inspired.”

    Emily Matulac (’24 finance, management)
    Financial Analyst II, Principal Financial Group
    Former President, Multicultural Business Network

  • Dan Houston

    “Dean Spalding leaves the Ivy College of BDan-Houstonusiness with three strong platforms to build upon:

    Proven Leadership and Experience: With a successful track record in both academia and the commercial sector, he has used his expertise as a cornerstone for fostering student development.

    Passion for Student Growth: His dedication to holistic student development and his encouragement of real-world application and opportunities have been hallmarks of his leadership.

    Support for Colleagues and the University: His unwavering commitment to supporting fellow deans and faculty has significantly advanced initiatives that benefit Iowa State University as a whole.”

    Dan Houston (’84 marketing)
    Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council
    Executive Chairman, Principal Financial Group

  • Connie-WimerConnie Wimer

    “Dean Spalding’s achievements as dean have had a profound and positive effect on the Ivy College of Business, the students, the faculty, and the program. He brought national recognition and acclaim to the school. Additionally, he has been incredibly supportive of women and their role in the business world. The school has risen to new heights in every aspect during his tenure. He will be greatly missed.”

    Connie Wimer
    Owner, Business Publications

  • Joshua-KingJoshua King

    “Dean Spalding is an amazing advocate for students and truly has a kind soul. I remember that he saw a vision in me and many of my peers right when we walked in the doors of Gerdin and encouraged us to set up personal one-on-one visits with him. His constant push for my peers and me to be great motivates me as I strive for my degree and move forward in my career.”

    Joshua King, (sophomore, finance)
    Hometown: Bellevue, Nebraska

  • Beth-Ford

    Beth Ford

    “As a proud Iowa State Cyclone, I have appreciated Dean Spalding’s partnership and support in keeping me connected to the school’s campus and students, and I thank him for being a thoughtful friend throughout the years. His continued commitment to the Ivy College of Business’ students, both past and present, has built a lasting legacy of resilient, thoughtful, and determined business leaders making a positive difference around the world. I commend his steady leadership and contributions to Iowa State and the business community, and I wish him all the best in his retirement.”

    Beth Ford (’86 management)
    Chief Executive Officer, Land O’Lakes
    Former Dean’s Advisory Council member

  • David-KinglandDavid Kingland

    “Dean Spalding has been a wonderful gift to the Ivy College of Business. I was fortunate to have participated on the search committee that brought him to Iowa State University, and at the time, I thought that because of his personality, background, and experience, he was really going to be transformational for the college. He has been!

    David Spalding’s leadership and ability to creatively solve problems and explore opportunities has really advanced the academic experience, research, funding, and reputation of the Ivy College of Business. I have enjoyed interacting with David and am so thankful for his positive impact at Iowa State University.”

    David Kingland (’80 industrial administration)
    Dean’s Advisory Council member since 2009
    Chairman and CEO, Kingland Systems Corporations

  • William Leiva-Mercado

    “Dean Spalding has always been a motivational leader for me throughout my time at Ivy. I remember the first time getting the chance to meet with him privately in his conference room after taking up my position. Extremely nervous about the new position as a new sophomore he reassured me that he had full faith in my capabilities and that I could go to him with any concerns whenever I needed.”

    William Leiva-Mercado (junior, management information systems (MIS) and business analytics)
    President of the Multicultural Business Network student organization
    Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa

June 4, 2025

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