Reassigned University of Iowa athletics official Meyer will help oversee construction

IOWA CITY - An associate University of Iowa athletics director reassigned pending a potential lawsuit by her partner will help oversee UI construction projects.

Jane Meyer will join UI Facilities Management starting Monday to 'assist with construction contract quality and project compliance management” related to several non-athletics construction projects at the UI, the university announced Thursday.

'Meyer's role will include reviewing construction change orders, reviewing plans and specification during the design phase of projects and project closeout efforts,” the UI reported.

Associate Athletics Director Paula Jantz will serve as senior woman administrator.

UI Athletics Director Gary Barta reassigned Meyer last week because of an anticipated wrongful termination suit by her partner, Tracey Griesbaum, who Barta fired Aug. 4. He said the Iowa Attorney General's Office advised him to shift Meyer out of Athletics until the matters are resolved.

Tom Newkirk, a Des Moines attorney representing Griesbaum, said earlier this week Meyer's reassignment appeared to be retaliation for the threatened legal action.

Meyer, who has more than 14 years of experience in facilities development in Athletics, worked with facilities leaders during recovery from the 2008 flood, the UI reported. Meyer will keep her $173,154 salary.

Barta fired Griesbaum after several student athletes complained she was verbally abusive and pressured them to compete while injured. An internal investigation said she created an environment of 'fear, intimidation, and mistreatment,” but other student-athletes, coaches, and alumni have rejected the characterization.

UI President Sally Mason repeated to the Presidential Committee on Athletics Thursday she supports Barta's decisions in the field hockey case.

'To me it's all about treating our student-athletes right,” Mason said in her brief remarks. 'I support the athletic director's decision to make a change there.”

l Comments: (319) 339-3157; erin.jordan@thegazette.com