President announces changes in reporting relationships

As was announced last summer, the UI athletics department now reports to Coleman through the general counsel. As previously announced, the formerly separate men’s and women’s athletic programs have been merged into a unified program under a single director of athletics.

The Old Capitol Museum will report to the vice president for student services, while the UI Alumni Association will report to Coleman through the vice president for student services.

Three other organizations will now report to the vice president for research: University Communications and Outreach (which will be renamed University Relations), Health Science Relations, and Broadcasting Services. Health Science Relations, which provides media relations and publications for the five health science colleges, also reports to the dean of the College of Medicine.

Broadcasting Services includes radio stations WSUI and KSUI, UITV, campus video systems, and video services.

University Relations includes Arts Center Relations, University News Services, Outreach and Special Projects, Publications, and Campus Communications.

"I continue to believe that we need a vice president for external relations," Coleman said. "However, the proposed reduction in state appropriations for the next fiscal year is the largest single cut we have ever faced, so I have reluctantly agreed to suspend that vice presidential search for two years.

"In the meantime, it is important to establish new reporting relationships so that the people in these vital offices can continue their work," she added. "Likewise, it’s important for the University community to know these reporting relationships so they can have a clear idea of each office’s role and responsibilities. I am confident that, in the hands of our senior University leadership, we will continue to make progress in these critical areas of strategic communications."

Article by Steve Parrott