UK Provost Kumble Subbaswamy was not selected as Iowa State University’s next president.

Roger Underwood, co-chair of the search committee that recommended the two finalists to the Board of Regents, said Subbaswamy will stay at Kentucky.

Underwood said that Subbaswamy and his wife were warmly embraced at Iowa State, and Kentucky is lucky to have him as provost.

“It is a bittersweet day for us at UK,” said President Eli Capilouto in an email to the Kernel. He said that Subbaswamy would have been an outstanding president at Iowa State “without question.”

“At the same time, we are excited that he will be remaining with us as UK’s chief academic officer, where he will continue his critically important work in helping lead our university during challenging times,” Capilouto said. “I look forward to continuing the close partnership we are building together.”

The other finalist was Steven Leath, the vice president for research and sponsored programs for the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He was chosen unanimously by the Board.