UNI Northern Iowan, IA
10-03-06
Presidential installation honored college tradition
Tim McCue
UNI News Writer
Although he has been on the job as University of Northern Iowa President since
June, Benjamin Allen was formally installed as UNI’s ninth president Friday
morning.
The ceremony took place in front of a full house at the Gallagher-Bluedorn
Performing Arts Center.
There have only been nine presidents in UNI’s 130-year history. The campus
community took time out of their schedule to commemerate the event. Faculty
joined the festivities dressed in full academic regalia along with those students
who were given a break from their classes to attend.
Grant Erwin, University of Northern student body president, gave the welcome
address on behalf of students.
“Those of us who have been at UNI for a few years know that it takes much more
than just a well-qualified person on paper to truly fit in with our unique culture.
We need a leader with strong morals, integrity and a genuine personality we all
feel comfortable around,” Erwin said. “My first encounter with President Allen left
me with the impression he was that unique person we needed to lead our great
university in to the future.”
Faculty chairwoman Sue Joslyn took a different approach with her comments.
She shared comments made by Sue Jordan, a secretary in the Cirriculum and
Instruction Office.
“I have hope because of the decision of one man to take on a challenging task at
a difficult time,” Jordan told Joslyn in an email that Joslyn shared with the
audience.
It wasn’t just students and faculty who took time to celebrate. The guestlist
comprised an A - list of Iowa academic, political and other civic leaders.
The platform party included members of Allen’s cabinet, members of the Iowa
Board of Regents including regents president Michael Gartner, Iowa State
University President Gregory Geoffry as well as Erwin and student
government vice president Jennifer Younie.
United States Senator and UNI alum Charles Grassley was scheduled to be at
the event but was unable due to commitments in Washington. Grassley sent his
wishes via a video message.
“UNI will get the national recognition that it deserves under Allen,” Grassley said.
“UNI will be able to continue its mission of public service.”
Geoffrey worked closely with Allen when the UNI president was the provost at
ISU. Geoffry said he was happy to finally see Allen have a job that didn’t start
with interim in the title. He pointed out that in his last three positions Allen started
with the interim tag before given the reins permanently.
“We are sad to lose Ben Allen from Iowa State, but we couldn’t lose him to a finer
institution,” Geoffry said.
Geoffry said Allen was actively involved with projects at Iowa State.
“Ben has his fingerprints all over a variety of projects at Iowa State. His influence
is obvious,” Geoffry said.
It’s not just President Allen Geoffry is disappointed to lose.
“Pat Allen is great. She and Ben make a great team and will be an asset to the
Cedar Valley,” Geoffry.
Gartner and Erwin marked Allen’s formal installtion when they bestowed on him
the presidential medallion. Gartner was quick to thank UNI’s presidential search
committee. He lauded their effort and throughness of the search process and
their willingness to debate and discuss.
“We asked the search committee to find the best candidate to lead this university
and it turns out the best leader was just a few miles down the road in Ames,”
Gartner said.
When Allen stepped to the podium he wasted no time in laying out his vision for
UNI. “ From the bottom of my heart I sincreley hope UNI beats Iowa State
tomorrow,” Allen told an appreciative crowd before getting down to business.
“I am ready to accept this position and I am excited to lead,” Allen said.
As an economist, Allen takes a pragmatic view to utilizing and developing his
resources. He referenced Thomas Friedman’s book The World Is Flat and he
sees human capital and knowledge as the most valuable resource available at
UNI.
“We must remain committed to providing an educational experience that leads to
a baccalaureate degree that represents both a broad liberal education and
specialized learning—both are essential for a high-quality education,” Allen said.
Providing students with the kind of education Allen discussed will take a
commitment to making challenging decisions. Allen is ready for the challenge.
The two areas Allen sees UNI making a major impact is in teacher education and
programs for immigrants. He pointed to the fact that UNI graduates more than
500 teachers each year.
“UNI needs to make a renewed effort in being the best undergraduate program in
the State of Iowa, to be without peers,” Allen said. “We need to take steps to
make our undergraduate education great.”
After laying out his priorities, Allen left his audience with a sense of hope.
“I firmly believe that the University of Northern Iowa has an exciting future. I am
thrilled about being a part of that future,” Allen said.
Enthusiasm was evident in the GBPAC lobby after the installation.
“My personal impressions of President and Mrs. Allen were reinforced and I join
others in the belief that the best candidate was selected for UNI at this time with
the current circumstances,” Kathy Green, director of Wellness and Recreation
Services said.
A full text of President Allen’s address is available at the UNI Web site.