AMES, Iowa ( Iowa Capital Dispatch ) - Iowa State University presidential hopeful David Cook said Thursday that when he arrived on campus the previous day, he was “feeling awesome about Iowa State.” Less than 24 hours later, during his presentation to ISU students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members, Cook said he had learned many new things and felt even better.

Cook, president of North Dakota State University and an Iowa State University alum, came back to Ames for interviews and a public forum as he vies for the university presidency . He was the second candidate this week to present his case to the ISU community, with Cornell University agriculture college dean Benjamin Houlton having participated in his own forum Wednesday .

Two other finalists dropped out before the

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