New vice president looks forward
to coordinating University's key messages in bold new ways

	Tysen Kendig, vice president for strategic communication. Photo by Tom Jorgensen.

Tysen Kendig, The University of Iowa’s new vice president for strategic communication, grew up wanting to enter the world of meteorology. At one point he thought he might fly “Hurricane Hunters” for the Air Force Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron.

But eventually Kendig switched his major to journalism, building upon a writing habit that dated back to his elementary school days, when he would crank out short fiction tales for fun. “The aptitude was there; the desire came later,” Kendig says. “Once I found that calling and pursued a job in higher education, I found my niche.” His work in higher education includes a stint at Penn State University (his alma mater) and most recently at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville as associate vice chancellor of university relations.

Kendig took some time to speak with fyi about the expectations that accompany his new job, certain trends in communication, and the reasons why the University must invest in communication.

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Robotic surgery on the rise at UI Hospitals and Clinics

A knack for playing video games might not seem like the ideal preparation for becoming a surgeon, but for one type of surgery, it does appear to be a leg up, according to David Bender, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Bender is referring to robotic surgery, which uses tiny incisions to insert a camera and surgical instruments into a patient’s body. The surgeon then uses a video console to view three-dimensional images of the patient’s insides and uses fingertip controls to remotely manipulate the surgical instruments inside the patient’s body.

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News in brief

AROUND CAMPUS…

• Laboratory at UI receives gift to advance cancer diagnostics and treatments
• University of Iowa receives ADDY awards
• Financial Times ranks Tippie MBA among world’s best
• Hawkeye Kids Camp offered during spring break
• Robert F. Ray Staff Scholarship available
• Don't forget to fill out your U.S. Census forms
• Improving Our Workplace Award nominations sought
• See which Learning and Development courses are right for you

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DISCOVERIES…

• Researcher: Horned, man-eating crocodiles once roamed Africa
• UI study measures levels of PCBs flowing from Indiana canal to air and water

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TRANSITIONS…

• Recent deaths

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Photo feature: Behind the scenes at Daily Iowan TV

Daily Iowan TV, the student-run television service provided by the Daily Iowan, produces 15-minute newscasts during the academic year. The service also makes headlines by consistently winning awards from the Iowa Broadcast News Association. fyi took in the scene during a recent newscast production.

See the photos...