UNI Presidential Review Committee Report Slams Allen

A new report shows more dissastisfaction, on the part of faculty, of University of Northern Iowa President Ben Allen.

Among the most critical aspects of the report, which includes a detailed survey, come in the conclusion. The conclusion begins by asserting there is an overall concern about Allen's leadership.

"Overall, the faculty questionnaire results indicate that the UNI Faculty has serious reservations about the leadership of President Allen," the report states.

A faculty group released the report titled, "Summary of President Benjamin J. Allen’s Five-year Evaluation by University of Northern Iowa Faculty." It was prepared by the UNI Faculty Presidential Review Committee on April 17.

University spokesman Jim O'Connor defended Allen, saying he has "worked diligently for nearly six years to lead the university and position it for the future."

"University leaders have a responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interests of our students and the taxpayers of the state of Iowa," O'Connor said. "Changes in higher education require proactive, strategic leadership to make tough choices while planning for the future." <p>

Allen appreciates the Faculty Senate and will continue working with it and all of the UNI faculty, he said.

Faculty have been particularly in recent weeks, but this report is based on a survey taken before plans for severe cuts became public.

The report does praise Allen as being "highly respected within the cabinet," and that he is "considered a personable individual who treats people with respect and has effectively represented the university to external constituents."

"The administrators interviewed obviously held him in high regard," it states.

The report, though, focuses on the responses to a questionnaire, which pointed out dissatisfaction with "communication, lack of a clear vision for the future of the university, and how he has worked with the faculty during challenging budget situations."

The survey results showed that 63 percent of respondents describe Allen as poor or fair, while 17 percent rate him as satisfactory, good or excellent.

The survey was given in February prior to the announcement of school, and a few weeks before were announced.

Approximately 35 percent of eligible faculty participated.

The presidential review committee included James Jurgenson, Chair of the Faculty, Jeffrey Funderburk, Chair of the Faculty Senate, Lauren Nelson, Chair of the Graduate Faculty, Maureen Clayton, Chair of the Graduate Council, Gene Lutz, Director of the Center for Social and Behavioral Research.