The presidential race has become an embarrassing addition to UI’s already complicated situation. Budget cuts, the Program Prioritization Process and the possible loss of faculty positions loom, and they loom without a permanent, distinguished voice to handle these pressing instances. Further delays in the process can only turn an already-embarrassing circumstance into a harmful one, as the university needs a confident leader to re-establish the direction of the institution. The SBOE should seriously consider all options, including keeping current Interim President Steven Daley-Laursen in place. Daley-Laursen has shown he is capable of directing the university in a cognizant, clear manner/Christina Lords, UI Argonaut. More here.

Question: Given the incredible mess the state Board of Education and others have made of things, should the UI selection committee cut its losses and pick interim prez Daley-Laursen?