Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

INSIDE IOWA STATE
January 18, 2002

Geoffroy opts not to fill external affairs post

by Steve Sullivan
Because of the need for a smaller operating budget, the position of vice president for external affairs will not be filled, President Gregory Geoffroy announced Jan. 7.

The change will save an estimated $250,000 in salaries, benefits and supplies as university leaders make budget cuts in response to the state's financial condition. The vice president's office has two support staff positions.

Former College of Business dean Ben Allen has been interim vice president for external affairs since July 1, 2001. He will remain in the interim position until July 1, when he returns to the faculty.

"Ben Allen is doing an outstanding job helping us work through this difficult financial situation while also maintaining the high level of services provided by the units of external affairs," Geoffroy said.

External affairs units will be reassigned to other university offices. University Relations, Intercollegiate Athletics and the ISU Alumni Association will report to the Office of the President. The Iowa State Center will report to the Office of the Vice President for Business and Finance. Specific reassignments for WOI Radio, University Museums, University Marketing and Reiman Gardens still are being developed.

"The vice president for external affairs has played a key role in the advancement efforts of Iowa State University over many years," Geoffroy said. "I am confident that the units within external affairs can continue to serve the university well without the structure of the vice president's office."