Routine to compensate spouse with job offers

How embarrassing and disappointing it is to watch media coverage about the University of Iowa and President Sally Mason.

Dr. Sally Mason has served the University of Iowa during times that could best be described as “the difficult to the extreme.” The result of the salary agreement negotiated for Ken Mason is a true, constant and energetic couple working very hard on behalf of the UI and for Iowans.

I spent more than two decades as a human resources business executive. I can confirm that honest agreements are made when relocating high ranking leaders whose spouses are asked to walk away from their careers, lose earning power and perform in new roles which require significant time and effort. Dr. Ken Mason left a career as a tenured professor and, since coming to UI, has taught at the university and become a significant contributor to the university's fundraising efforts. Would I have advised that any employment agreement be fully documented and easily accessed? Yes. However, I'm suspect university payroll staff required appropriate approvals before compensation was paid.

Further, such excessive “investigation” can be damaging to Iowa's economy. Talented people and new businesses may choose to locate in other places that don't demonstrate the hostility and narrow thinking that is displayed in the media coverage.

Kate Minette

Cedar Rapids