University of Northern Iowa president Allen says he's stepping down

CEDAR FALLS - University of Northern Iowa President Ben Allen on Friday announced he will retire by July 1, 2013, spurred in his decision by a brush with cancer two years ago and a desire to spend more time with his grandchildren.

Tough financial decisions and budget cuts in the past several years, which led to the closing of UNI's Malcolm Price Lab School this spring and the axing of nearly 60 academic programs, were not a major factor in his decision to step down said Allen, who has led UNI since 2006. UNI faculty approved a no-confidence vote in Allen's leadership during the recent cuts.

“It's a tough decision, not because of what took place last year” with the cuts, Allen said. “I think, actually, we believe that we made decisions that helped the university. I feel good about that. I thought maybe this was good timing because of that, not because of the negatives that took place last year.”

Retirement has been on his mind for a while, Allen, 65, said, noting a health scare “gets your attention about how you allocate your time.”

Several regents sang Allen's praises, saying they valued his leadership and dedication to UNI.

Regent Ruth Harkin, of Cumming, said one of the best votes she's made as a board member was approving Allen as UNI president.

“Everything about your tenure and your leadership has made me feel even better about that decision over the years,” she said. “You've just been a true leader and a true example.”

Allen has done so much for UNI and its teacher education programs, said Regent Katie Mulholland, of Marion.

“Your leadership that has empowered the staff and the administration has meant so much to this university,” she said.

Helping to establish UNI as a leader on the collaborative Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) initiative, managing UNI through tough budget times and meeting a $150 million fundraising goal one year early are among the key accomplishments of his tenure, Allen said.

It's his hope students will say they had a great experience at UNI, that they've “been more successful because this university was led by someone who helped it,” Allen said.

The regents soon will determine a search committee and whether a search firm will be hired to help find Allen's successor, board President Craig Lang said. The search committee likely will include faculty, regents and community members, he said.

Here's the full release on Allen's retirement from UNI:

University of Northern Iowa President Benjamin Allen announced today that he will retire by July 1, 2013.

In making the announcement, UNI's ninth president cited several major initiatives that were completed during his tenure.

"It has truly been an honor serving as president of UNI these past six years," said Allen in a message to faculty and staff. "Pat and I believe this is a very special place and we have enjoyed working alongside so many talented students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university."

During his six years at UNI, Allen has stressed three primary goals for the university: to become the leading undergraduate institution in the state; to be known as a national leader in pre-K through 12 issues; and to enhance the economic, social and cultural development of the state.

Allen's key accomplishments at UNI include:

• A leadership role in Iowa's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative
• Establishment of the Richard O. Jacobson Center for Comprehensive Literacy
• Meeting the UNI Foundation's "Imagine the Impact" campaign's $150 million goal one year early
• A visit to UNI by His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet
• Managing UNI through some of the toughest economic times in recent history

The Board of Regents, State of Iowa, will conduct a search to replace Allen. He will plan to retire no later than July 1, 2013, based on when a new president is appointed and is ready to take over.

Allen was named UNI president in April 2006. He assumed his duties in June 2006.