Nancy Showers reintroduced UNI’s president, Dr. Ben Allen, who stopped by once again to give us an update on work the work at UNI. Dr. Allen visited us in April 2007, not too long after he had taken over in 2006 as UNI’s ninth president. At that time Dr. Allen gave us his early observations of UNI and outlined three broad goals he was thinking about: (1) to be known as an outstanding undergraduate institution; (2) for UNI to be seen as the go to leader for Pre-K through 12 education and (3) to provide assistance across Iowa in social, economic and cultural development. So, this was, in effect, a progress update on the work of implementing these goals.
First though, Dr. Allen began with the obligatory glance at the budget. Of course, he’s well qualified in that regard with his degrees in economics, including his doctorate. Dr. Allen summarized the financial issues this way. UNI funding has been reduced 25% since 2008 and they are expecting another 10% cut in FY2011. He reminded us of temporary layoff days the folks there are voluntarily taking. There have been cuts in benefits. A $100 tuition surcharge has been implemented. But probably the most noteworthy comment from that discussion was the quote from Winston Churchill that Dr. Allen used to frame the budget issue—”When you are going through hell, keep going.”
Dr. Allen told us that the new (since this past July) Provost, Gloria Gibson, is leading the effort of updating the 5 year strategic plan which will address the issues the University faces as a result of the difficult financial environment that appears to with us for an extended period of time. He said top look for major announcements to be rolled out in the near future…
Then Dr. Allen discussed actions underway in each of the three major goals. For the…outstanding under graduate program goal, he told us about UNI’s #2 rating in education in the Midwest for public education for the past 13 years. He went on to discuss the high regard the School of Business enjoys across the nation.
In discussing the second goal …
Pre-K through 12 education, Dr. Allen described the active part UNI is playing in helping implement Iowa’s core curriculum project. He discussed the University’s role in collaborative efforts underway to improve math and science test scores across the state.
In the third goal area …community and economic development, Dr. Allen talked about the large number of businesses supported by the Institute for Decision Making led by Randy Pilkington. Plus a lot more.
Informative presentation by a seemingly very capable leader…
Exchangite Nancy Showers & UNI President Ben Allen
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