Iowa State President Headed to Auburn University

Iowa State University President Steven Leath is leaving behind achievements that landed him the top job at Auburn University, but also has a history of testing ethical boundaries.

The next Auburn University president is a prolific fundraiser and charming academic who engages students and faculty.

The Alabama land-grant university announced Leath’s appointment Monday, touting his experience leading a similar school and his research career.

But Leath will begin following a secret search that angered some Auburn constituents and has generated scrutiny of his Iowa State tenure, which included a scandal involving his use of airplanes and a heavily-criticized land deal.

Now, a law firm is billing Iowa State up to $585 per hour for legal work, months after helping Leath create a corporation for the land purchase.

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