DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa Capitol Bureau) - The Iowa Board of Regents elected new leadership Wednesday after the sudden departure of its top officials.

Republican Robert Cramer was unanimously voted as the board’s new president . Kurt Tjaden will serve as president pro tem.

The elections come after Board President Sherry Bates announced her retirement and President Pro Tem Greta Rouse stepped down from her leadership position , though Rouse remains on the board.

Cramer has served on the Board of Regents since last year after being appointed by Gov. Kim Reynolds. He comes from the construction industry, running his family’s company, Cramer and Associates.

Tjaden joined the board in March. He is a longtime business executive.

Cramer outlined three priorities he wants Iowa’s

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