(Iowa Capital Dispatch) The Iowa Board of Regents said hello to new leadership Thursday and goodbye to one member, with Regent JC Risewick announcing this was his last meeting as a member.
Board President Robert Cramer announced the news with a resolution honoring Risewick’s time on the governing body, where he spent close to four years.
“The Iowa Board of Regents expresses its deep gratitude to Regent Risewick for his expertise, dedication and extraordinary service and contributions to the board of regents, its institutions, students and families in all Iowans,” Cramer said.
Risewick was appointed to the board by Gov. Kim Reynolds in June 2022 to fill the role left vacant by Regent Milt Dakovich. He was reappointed in 2025, with his term set to end in 2031. Cramer said he brought a “sensible and down to earth perspective” to governance of the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa, and always wanted to put what is best for students first.
University presidents also shared their well-wishes with Risewick, who served as co-chair of the presidential search committee that recommended Iowa State University President David Cook to the role.
The leaving regent said during the meeting he is departing from the board because he is moving out of Iowa, and he will miss his work on the board of the regents the most. Risewick called his service on the board “one of the privileges of my life,” and while he will miss the people, he will cherish the memories.
“I came into this with a sense of responsibility and duty, and leaving it with more of a sense of passion is such a great thing,” Risewick said.
Board leadership elections also took place during the Thursday meeting, with Cramer being reelected president and Regent Kurt Tjaden elected as president pro-tem. Both were chosen unanimously by the board.
Regent JC Risewick , left, receives a resolution from Iowa Board of Regents President Robert Cramer for his service on the board on April 23, 2026. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
