Michael Richards

Michael Richards

Dr. Michael Richards of West Des Moines brings a broad knowledge of business management and medical integration to the Board of Regents.

Until his retirement in 2017, he was managing partner of Quatro Composites, a company specializing in manufacturing carbon composite equipment for the aerospace and medical industries.  He also served as chairman of MEDTEC, a medical services and equipment company.

Dr. Richards earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa in 1970 and his M.D. from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1974.  After graduation, he was in practice in Des Moines for more than 20 years. He also served as the first chief medical officer at Iowa Health System (now UnityPoint Health).

Dr. Richards and his wife, Ann, are active supporters and contributors to medical and educational charities and foundations. He has served as president of the Dowling Foundation, and served on the Board and Executive Committee of the Minnesota Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis until joining the Board of Regents.

Dr. Richards was appointed to the Board of Regents on May 6, 2016, by Governor Branstad to fill the unexpired term of Mary Andringa, and was reappointed to the Board by Governor Reynolds on April 16, 2021. He was elected the 22nd President of the Board of Regents, on May 1, 2017, and was re-elected Board President in 2018, 2020 and 2022. He stepped down as Board President on January 16, 2024.

His term on the Board expires on April 30, 2027, but he has announced his intention to resign from the Board on April 30, 2024.

Board Committees: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; Audit/Compliance; Governance, Evaluation and Human Resources (Chair)

Appointed: 2016
Reappointed: 2021
Term Expires: 2027

Contact Information

(515) 248-1776   Ext. 2151
regentmr@iastate.edu