AMES — Iowa State University announced on July 10, 2026, that athletics director Jamie Pollard is retiring. His retirement will become effective on June 30, 2027, or sooner if the university names a replacement before that date.

Pollard joined Iowa State University in 2005 and has served as its athletics director for 22 years, making him the longest-tenured athletics director in the university's history. During his tenure, Iowa State athletics secured 24 Big 12 team titles across eight sports. The university's annual fundraising for athletics increased from just over $9 million before Pollard's arrival to $53 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year. More than $400 million was also invested in new construction and facility upgrades for Iowa State athletics in Ames, including the planned CyTown district.

Iowa State University President David Cook stated, "Jamie Pollard's bold vision has produced the most sustained period of academic and athletic excellence in Iowa State's Athletics history, and Cyclones everywhere are incredibly grateful for his leadership, passion and dedication to our university." Pollard said, "I am grateful to President (David) Cook for allowing me to share this news now and hopefully it will allow the university plenty of time to properly transition new leadership to our department during a transformational time in college athletics."

Pollard added, "It has been my privilege to engage with thousands of Cyclone fans over the years and develop life-long friendships with so many of them." He concluded, "Once a Cyclone, always a Cyclone." Iowa State University plans to begin a national search for the next athletics director after conducting listening sessions with stakeholders.