The Senate

State of Iowa
Eighty-sixth General Assembly
STATEHOUSE
Des Moines, Iowa 50319

August 12, 2016

Mr. Bruce Rastetter
Chair, Board of Regents
Summit Agricultural Group
10640 County Hwy D20
Alden, IA 50006

Dear Mr. Rastetter:

As State Senators, we have been contacted by Iowans who are concerned about different issues regarding
the Board of Regents. One especially timely concern that has been raised is how the search for a new president at
the University of Northern Iowa will be conducted. We share that concern.
The Board of Regents has few if any duties that are more important than the election of presidents for our
universities. Iowa Code 262.9(2) (2015). The most recent presidential selection process at the University of Iowa
did not adhere to the high standards Iowans expect from our Board of Regents.
Given the problems with that selection process documented by University of Iowa faculty and students, the
American Association of University Professors, and the news media, we encourage you to use a fair and transparent
process in the selection of the next president of the University of Northern Iowa, a process that actually and fully
involves the faculty and students in the spirit of shared governance. Hiring a different search firm, as has been done,
may be one small step toward a better process, but more needs to be done.
Please reply to this letter with the specific steps the Board of Regents is taking to ensure a fair and
transparent process in the selection of the next UNI president. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,

Sen. Rob Hogg, Chair

Government Oversight
Committee
cc:

Bob Donley

Sen. Jeff Danielson, Chair

State Government Committee

Sen. Brian Schoenjahn, Chair

Senate Education
Appropriations Subcommittee