February 16, 2007

Public Searches for Presidents

To the Editor:

I am an alumnus of the University of Iowa and was a member of the central administration there for over 20 years before I retired. It pains me deeply to see this great university embroiled in acrimony ("A Failed Presidential Search Divides the U. of Iowa," The Chronicle, January 5).

The claim by Michael G. Gartner and other members of the Board of Regents that suitable applicants for the presidency cannot be found if a certain level of secrecy is not maintained