Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen has appointed David Spalding as interim vice president for economic development and business engagement, effective July 1. 

Spalding will succeed Mike Crum, who requested a return to the Ivy College of Business, where he holds the Ruan Chair in Supply Chain Management. Spalding, who joined ISU in 2013, will retain his current role as Raisbeck Endowed Dean of the Ivy College of Business. The appointment is subject to approval by the Iowa Board of Regents. 

“I am pleased that David has agreed to take on this interim role to ensure Iowa State’s economic development services, resources and partnerships remain strong as we navigate this transition,” Wintersteen said in a statement. 

Crum has held the economic development role for the past five years. Among his accomplishments, he led the planning that established the office of economic development and industry relations and oversaw construction of the division’s home in the Economic Development Core Facility at the ISU Research Park. 

Crum said the request for a change reflects his desire to return to teaching and research, and a need for more time to tend to family members with health challenges. He will continue in his role as chair of the research park’s board of directors and will continue to serve on the ISU Research Foundation Board until a permanent vice president for economic development and business engagement is named.