Reality of figures UNI faces lost in emotional debate

By Rex Eno

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In recent weeks, there has been much discussion concerning the University of Northern Iowa. Much of the discussion has been emotional and even derogatory concerning President Benjamin Allen and his administration's actions.

While the passion displayed has been heartfelt, it has obscured some important and enlightening facts.

l UNI's enrollment is more than 90 percent Iowans. Therefore, UNI does not have the benefit of a large number of students paying out-of-state tuition.

l The university's budget has been reduced by 24 percent over the last four years, from $98.3 million to $74.7 million. This relatively staggering amount would suggest to any reasonable person that changes must be made.

Faced with these realities, Allen and his administration had to make some difficult decisions to ensure the future of this institution. These changes were discussed with the United Faculty and the Faculty Senate and adjustments were made based on these meetings.

The strategy developed is to concentrate UNI's resources on high-demand/high-growth degree programs. The university will continue with 89 undergraduate and 52 graduate degrees. Furthermore, many of UNI's programs have received national recognition from the Princeton Business Review and U.S. News & World Report as well as other national publications.

Decision: Close Malcolm Price Laboratory School.

Fact: The cost per pupil at the Malcolm Price Laboratory School is $15,300 compared with $5,890 per student at he public schools in the area and the cost to UNI is nearly $3.5 million annually.

Decision: Eliminate 22 undergraduate degrees and 14 graduate degrees.

Fact: All students in these programs will be able to complete their degrees. The programs listed represent fewer than 2 percent of the degrees granted in 2010-11.

Given that the student population served is overwhelmingly from Iowa and more than

77 percent of graduates take their first job or attend graduate school in Iowa, UNI is an institution that should make all Iowans proud.

And since this is about education, one of Iowa's strengths, it also should be noted that 23 percent of Iowa educators and more than one-third of administrators in this state hold degrees from the UNI.

Examining the facts that have sometimes been obscured by heated rhetoric and some misleading headlines, Allen and his administration did what any responsible leader would do. He took thoughtful steps to allocate resources to strengthen the university over the long run while being a good steward of Iowa taxpayer dollars.

Because of his courageous actions, the UNI will continue to open doors to bright futures for young Iowa students.

Rex Eno lives of Cedar Rapids has served as on the University of Northern Iowa Foundation Board of Trustees for 20 years. He is the retired CEO and chairman of Life Investors Insurance Company (Transamerica). Comments: rexeno@yahoo.com