UNI officially installs 10th president

Eight months after being chosen by the Iowa Board of Regents to head the University of Northern Iowa, William N. Ruud on Friday was officially installed as the university's 10

^th

president.

During a ceremony at UNI's Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Ruud was welcomed by faculty, staff, students, community members and dignitaries, including Gov. Terry Branstad and Regent Bruce Rastetter.

In his installation speech, according to UNI officials, Ruud spelled out his four main areas of focus: recruitment efforts; quality, efficiency effectiveness and accountability; accessibility, affordability and student success; and fostering relationships with key stakeholders.

In February, when Ruud was chosen to take the helm following former president Ben Allen's sudden retirement, he said he also would focus on rebuilding trust on campus. Allen vacated his post after a tumultuous year and a half that included dozens of program cuts and a faculty vote of no-confidence.

Ruud was chosen, in part, for his strong experience as president since 2007 of Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, a comprehensive university similar to UNI in its size, programs, strengths and challenges, according to the regents.