Top official says U-of-I will survive loss of President

As state budget cuts cause headaches for administrators scrambling to make new spending plans, the University of Iowa is losing its president. University of Iowa President Mary Sue Coleman is leaving to become president of the University of Michigan. David Skorton, University of Iowa vice president for research and external relations, says the void will be filled.Skorton says the University of Iowa has a 154-year history of excellence and he says the institution will survive and prosper beyond the tenure of any individual leader, no matter how distinguished. He says the university “has a deep bench of leadership” he says the deans of the colleges are strong as are the other leaders.Skorton describes Coleman as an “ideal” leader who brought a lot of people into the decision-making circle, but was able to make a firm decision herself when necessary.Coleman will speak to the media in Iowa City tomorrow at 11 o’clock. In a prepared statement issued today, Coleman said over the next month she’ll be “fully involved” in discussions about the U-of-I’s “very challenging budget climate.” She closed by saying she “fervently” hopes elected officials from both political parties quickly find ways once again to support the University of Iowa.