Gansemer Topf
After a national search, Anne Gansemer Topf has been appointed dean of the School of Education and the Frances S. Wallace and Arthur L. Wallace Professor in the College of Human Sciences.
She currently serves as Director of Graduate Education and Professor in the School of Education, as well as a faculty affiliation with the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching. Her appointment as director will begin from July 1st.
“Dr. Anne Gansemer Topf is a successful leader and nationally recognized scholar who brings a strong vision to this role in collaboration with faculty, students, and partners.” said Laura Jolly, department chair and dean. . “She is a champion of student success, and her innovative approach to teaching and learning will create an exciting future for the School of Education.”
As director, Gansemer Topf will oversee all aspects of the nationally known Faculty of Education. Our extensive undergraduate programs train hundreds of future teachers, master's and doctoral candidates. The program educates leaders at all levels of the education system, and its high-impact research contributes to the national conversation about education and improving student outcomes.
“I have benefited greatly from the faculty, staff, and students of Iowa State University and the College of Education, and I am honored to serve in this leadership position,” Gansemer-Topf said. “I am committed to working with Dean Jolley to continue our collaboration and build partnerships to ensure that the outstanding work of our faculty, staff, and students makes this land grant a better place for students, Iowans, and the world.” I look forward to steadily enhancing our mission.”
Ms. Gansemer-Topf has held several leadership roles in the School of Education since joining the team in 2012 as an assistant professor. Her research focuses on evaluating educational policies related to student learning, student success, effective teaching and learning strategies, and enrollment management.
Earning the nickname “Dr. GT” from the hundreds of students she has advised, mentored, and mentored throughout her career, Gansemer Topf's deep connections and her passion for education have earned her a place in the School of Human Sciences' mid-career education department. Awarded. Award and the Iowa State Alumni Association Faculty Inspiration Award. She was also recently admitted to the Iowa Education Academy.
Before joining the ISU faculty, Gansemer-Topf brought an interdisciplinary perspective to leadership and education through residency, academic advising, organizational studies, and strategic planning.
She is active at the national level through her service in the student affairs professional organizations NASPA, the Higher Education Research Association, and the American Educational Research Association. Her research profile includes over 70 publications, 100 professional presentations, and numerous invitations to speak from various educational organizations.
Gansemer-Topf earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Loras College in Dubuque. She holds a master's degree in professional studies/higher education and a doctorate degree in educational leadership and policy studies, both from Iowa State.
She will succeed Mary Gresham, interim dean of the School of Education.

