Iowa State University's new president is homegrown.

David Cook, president of North Dakota State University, an Iowa State alumnus and an Ames native, will be Iowa State's 17th president, the school and Iowa Board of Regents announced Tuesday, Nov. 11. Cook beat out fellow finalist, Benjamin Houlton of Cornell University after a lengthy interview process in Ames.

The Regents unanimously approved the hire shortly before 4 p.m. inside the Iowa State Memorial Union, concluding a nearly six-month long search.

"I am deeply humbled by this opportunity. A bit speechless, candidly,” Cook said during a press conference Tuesday evening. “It’s a lot to take in, especially when (I) was born here at Mary Greeley, went to high school here, went to school here, and have family here that are so embedded

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