A former president of the state Board of Regents says the controversial president’s search at the University of Iowa will eventually work itself out. Marvin Pomerantz served as president of the regents from 1987to 1993 and from 1995 to 1996. Pomerantz says, “My perspective is that the institution, the University of Iowa is dynamic, and very strong. And they’ll work through this. It’s an expression of democracy if you will. Everyone wants to have their person at the helm.”

The regents in November dissolved their search committee and dismissed the four finalists for the job. They later contacted one of the finalists, who did not want to be reconsidered. Pomerantz says the failure to find a leader isn’t new. Pomerantz says, “There’s been failed searches before. They’ll survive this and they’ll come up stronger. It’s a magnificent university and as long as we keep focused on the quality of the University, things are going to be okay.”

Pomerantz is a Des Moines businessman who graduated from the University of Iowa. Pomerantz was not without controversy in his tenure on the Board of Regents, as the regents undertook a review designed to cut the duplication in the three state universities.