Return to Nicholas Johnson's Iowa Rain Forest ("Earthpark") Web Site

Return to Nicholas Johnson's Blog, FromDC2Iowa
 
 

[Note: This material is copyright by the Press-Citizen, and is reproduced here as a matter of "fair use" for non-commercial, educational purposes only. Any other use may require the prior approval of the Iowa City Press-Citizen.]

During a morning leadership series sponsored by the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, the first question of the day addressed a Press-Citizen story involving speculation that the hospital is for sale.

"No, the hospital is not for sale," Fethke said.

Fethke led off with a summary of the challenges of leading and enhancing a $2.5 billion enterprise in the 21st century before opening up to questions from the 50 people in attendance at the Pappajohn Business Building.

Some questions centered on the search for a permanent UI president, the uncertainty that has manifested in various constituencies and the job itself.

Fethke, a retired dean of the business school, said the presidential search saga that has stretched on for a year has been "a legitimate, healthy, if not contentious discussion."

"Some great institutions have had failed president searches in recent years," he said. "This was a decided clash of cultures. Both faculty and regents want the best president for the university, but they define that differently."

Fethke said that, despite recent controversy surrounding the search for a permanent president, UI is financially as strong as ever.

"From an economist's point of view, we haven't been stronger," he said.

Chamber president Nancy Quellhorst said the morning series offers insights from leaders who many people don't have access to.

"It's a unique opportunity for people to make contact with the leaders in the community, with people you don't usually have access to," Quellhorst said.