Steve Mickelson
AMES, Iowa – Steve Mickelson will return from retirement to become the next interim chair of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition beginning June 1.
Mickelson succeeds Ruth MacDonald, who has been serving in the interim role for the past year. MacDonald will transition to the role of acting dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences on June 1, then become the interim dean Aug. 1.
“Dr. Mickelson is the definition of what it means to be a Cyclone,” said Laura Jolly, College of Health and Human Sciences dean and dean’s chair. “Throughout his nearly 44-year career at Iowa State, he’s demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to helping others succeed both personally and professionally.”
Mickelson brings extensive leadership experience to the role. He has served as an associate chair of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, director of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching and co-director of learning communities. From 2011 to 2021, he was chair of the ABE department. He was then appointed senior advisor to the senior vice president and provost, a position he held until his retirement in January 2026.
“Through his research, teaching, service and administrative leadership, Dr. Mickelson brings a uniquely broad perspective that will benefit the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and support faculty, staff and students across disciplines,” said Daniel J. Robison, endowed dean’s chair of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
As a professor, Mickelson taught courses in engineering design, computer graphics, soil and water conservation, problem-solving and curriculum development. His research focused on developing and assessing agricultural best management practices to improve water quality, as well as contributing to the scholarship of teaching and learning.
“I’m excited to step into this interim role and support the department,” Mickelson said. “The team plays a critical role in advancing research, education and outreach in food science and human nutrition, and I look forward to working alongside faculty, staff and students to continue that momentum.”
Mickelson earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in agricultural engineering from Iowa State.
About the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition offers six majors and five minors, as well as five graduate programs and an online certificate program. It is co-administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Health and Human Sciences.