The only woman among the four finalists for the University of Iowa presidency is emphasizing diversity during her visit to the Iowa City campus.
Purdue University Provost Sally Mason will interview with U-of-I campus groups today after meeting with the state Board of Regents on Wednesday.
Mason says universities must create a diverse climate. "It was a pretty significant step for Purdue to appoint me as provost. That was the first woman to hold a position at that level at Purdue. It did not go unnoticed," she says. "I’m particularly pleased that Purdue has just hired a new president, a woman."
Mason says her management style involves surrounding herself with talented people. She says if she’s chosen to lead the U-of-I, she will make connections with the key state resources that are important to the university.
"The first year is going to be a big learning year and I think Iowa is well-positioned to allow the new president to learn," Mason says. "You’ve got a strategic plan in place. It’s called the Iowa Promise. I would say let’s build on success and deliver on the promise and I mean that very literally."
The Regents are meeting Sunday morning in Des Moines and may name the new U-of-I president then.