Harreld brings needed vision

To the editor:

I followed the choice of our new University of Iowa president with interest. My first thought was that, were the regents to select one of those from academia, they should then immediately contract with Bruce Harreld as a consultant to the new president to 'guide the way” into this constantly changing and fast emerging 'new world.” I was delighted when I read that the regents had gone one better and put Harreld in the driver's seat.

As a businessman (retired), I have often looked back to realize what I thought was forward thinking at the time in retrospect was not bold enough. It takes training and forward vision experience to see more than a year or two ahead. A great decision-maker and strong leader must see five or 10 years ahead, then have longer range plans in place to follow those 10 years.

Academics, though well-trained and well versed in the ways of running a large institution, are not really expected to have that long range vision, too. Few people do.

My hat is off to the Board of Regents, both Democrat and Republican members, who voted as one. Although questions have arisen lately as to how the decision was made, I see it as the right decision. Give Harreld the gift of time and my bet is that the University of Iowa will be a strong institution and fine educator many years into the future.

Robert C. Moorman

Cedar Rapids