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Regents Acting Like Dictators

[Note: This material is copyright by the Des Moines Register, 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 Des Moines Register.]

The Vilsack-appointed Board of Regents has assumed dictatorial powers alien to the Iowa code of decency and fair-mindedness, such as secret meetings and assuming unusual powers in the search for a new University of Iowa president to succeed David Skorton.

What are they doing? Trying to ensure that no worthwhile candidate would even consider coming here to the University of Iowa while such an inept group serves as regents?

I suggest that soon-to-be-governor Chet Culver dismiss this incompetent board whose members have, in a few months, destroyed years of the University of Iowa's prestige, before we lose any more of our faculty. Micro-management is not the business of the regents.

Right here on our doorstep stands Michael Hogan, provost and native Iowan, who represents the U of I in a scholarly and competent way. My opinions will be shared by many fair-minded Iowans, who are loyal to this university, which has served Iowa well through good times and bad.

— Pamela M. Stewart, Iowa City.

[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 Vilsack-appointed Board of Regents has assumed dictatorial powers alien to the Iowa code of decency and fair mindedness:

* Secret meetings;
* Assuming unusual powers in the search for a new president to succeed former University of Iowa President David Skorton;
* Ignoring faculty input;
* Deciding that this great academic university would be best served by a business-oriented president. No way, academic prestige is an absolute requirement for this position;
* Initiating plans for the future, before completing their search for a president; and finally
* Just abandoning the search.

I suggest that soon-to-be Governor Chet Culver dismiss this incompetent board who have, in a few months destroyed years of UI’s prestige. This opinion should be shared by many fair-minded Iowans who are loyal to the university that has served Iowa so well through good times and bad.

God help us all if the business ethic is to be our vanguard.

Pamela M. Stewart
Iowa City