Sioux City Journal, IA
08-11-06
UNI president talks about his new role
By Bret Hayworth Journal staff writer
New University of Northern Iowa president Ben Allen said Friday he is working
to make sure that the tradition of solid undergraduate teaching continues at UNI.
Holding the position since June 5, Allen succeeds Robert Koob, a Hawarden,
Iowa, native who had been president since 1995. In an Journal editorial board
meeting, Allen said a big part of his new position is to communicate with the
public more than ever about the needs and opportunities at UNI.
A former administrator at Iowa State University, Allen said he brought from
ISU the notion that a university president must demand excellence. He admitted
it will take time to learn the culture of UNI, that one can "not assume you know
the university from a distance."
After a period of revenue cuts at the university, Allen said he understands
professors want to be fully supported in their instructional needs and that
students want to keep tuition increases as low as possible.
"Public education, if it is done right, adds a lot of value to the state," he said.