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.]

The Board of Regents rejected four candidates Nov. 17 after a search process that took months and involved many. Gartner has said the regents thought the candidates did not have enough health science experience and wanted a female candidate in the final four.

The decision to reject the candidates and disband the 19-member search committee invoked anger from UI staff, faculty and students.

Vilsack spokesman Matt Paul said Friday that a private meeting will take place in Cedar Rapids at 5 p.m. and will include alumni, faculty, staff and student representatives. After the meeting, Vilsack will make public remarks.

"The purpose of the meeting is to have a discussion about moving this process forward in a rational, strategic manner that represents what we all want -- the best possible candidate to lead the university forward," Paul said.

UI Faculty Senate President Sheldon Kurtz said he received a call from the governor on Thanksgiving day personally inviting him to participate in the meeting.

"We're pleased that the governor has decided to get involved in this manner," Kurtz said. "We are hopeful an outcome can be reached that is best for the university and the state of Iowa."

On Tuesday, UI faculty members have scheduled a no-confidence vote in the Board of Regents. Kurtz said the vote still is expected.

"At the present time, however, nothing has been communicated to me about the purpose of this meeting or the expected outcome that would alter the purpose of the faculty senate meeting on Tuesday to consider a vote of no-confidence in the leadership of the Board of Regents," he said.