Iowa State athletics director announces planned retirement
PUBLISHED Jul 10, 2026, 9:04 AM ET
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AMES, Iowa. Jamie Pollard, Iowa State's longest-serving athletics director, announced Friday he will retire after 22 years leading the Cyclones' 18-sport program and plans to step down June 30, 2027, or when a new athletics director is appointed; Pollard moved to Ames in 2005 and emphasized orderly transition timing. University officials, including President Cook, will begin a search to identify a successor and use the interval to transition leadership during significant change in college athletics; under Pollard the department raised hundreds of millions, advanced facility projects and CyTown plans, posted a 95% 2025 Graduation Success Rate, and recorded multiple conference championships and postseason appearances.
By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 2005 – Jamie Pollard and his family moved to Ames to lead Iowa State Athletics.
- Over his tenure – Department completed facility upgrades, raised significant funds, and proposed CyTown development.
- 2021 – Iowa State won the Fiesta Bowl during programs overseen in Pollard’s tenure.
- 2025 – The athletic department recorded a 95% institutional Graduation Success Rate.
- Announcement Friday – Pollard stated he will retire June 30, 2027, or when successor is in place.
News Intelligence
- Jamie Pollard's retirement could change the game at Iowa State. His leadership saw facility upgrades, fundraising, and academic success. If you're a Cyclones fan, or have a student athlete, watch for changes in the athletic department's direction.
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Iowa State student-athletes, the university's fundraising efforts, and facility development projects benefited from Pollard's 22-year leadership and large-scale capital campaigns.
The athletic department, staff, and recruiting continuity may face short-term uncertainty and transition costs as leadership changes are implemented.
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