Gov. Branstad: Not Unusual for University President to Have No Contract

Earlier this week, University of Iowa President Sally Mason said she was not concerned about working at the university without a contract.

Yesterday she got some backup on that comment from an influential former university president.

According to the Des Moines Register, Gov. Terry Branstad, said it was not unusual for a university president to go without a contract for a period of time.

“I don’t think it’s a big deal,” said Branstad. “I was the president of Des Moines University and as I said I initially had a three-year contract and never asked for a contract beyond that because I knew that I reported to the board of trustees and as long as I did my job well I had confidence that I didn’t need to worry about it.”

Branstad worked at Des Moines University for six years before launching another run for governor in 2009. He made the comment today in answering questions about his earlier remarks this week saying he agrees with the Iowa Board of Regents not to extend the contract of University of Iowa President Sally Mason.

Branstad also commented that although he still did have some concerns about the University of Iowa's transparency, he respects Sally Mason and looks forward to conversing with her in the future.