Photo courtesy of Iowa Board of Regents

There is going to be a leadership change with the Iowa Board of Regents and a Scranton resident is currently serving in the top spot.

Iowa Board of Regents Senior Communications Director Josh Lehman tells Raccoon Valley Radio that Board President Mike Richards resigned his position on January 16th and that Sherry Bates moved from her role as President Pro Tem to Interim President, as per their protocols. Lehman says Richards will remain on the Board until April, when he will step off the Board to spend more time with family and friends.  

Richards was first appointed by Governor Terry Branstad in 2016 to the Iowa Board of Regents, which represents the three public universities, including the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa. Richards has also served as Board President for seven years. 

Bates, who was first appointed to the Board in 2014 by Governor Branstad, will serve as Interim President until the leadership election is held at a future meeting.