The Board of Regents hired the first permanent director for the University of Iowa Center for Intellectual Freedom during a meeting today (Tuesday). University of Nebraska Omaha political science professor Carson Holloway who is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa was approved for the job. Regent Christine Hensley led the executive committee on the Center and says she talked with a lot of the other directors from centers across the country.
Hensley says that uniqueness led to some issues.
The Iowa Legislature passed a bill that the governor signed to create the Center to develop courses in American history and civil government. Eleven of the 26 members on the advisory council for the C-I-F resigned over questions about the oversight of the Center, the hiring of a permanent director, and the creation of classes. Hensley says that didn’t deter interest.
Outgoing interim director Luciano de Castro has accused regents and university administrators of disregarding state law and hindering the center’s operations. Board President Robert Cramer disputed those criticisms during the meeting, saying the legislation creating the Center clearly states the director reports to the board of Regents. Cramer says they tried operating under the policies of the U-I, but they realized there needed to be some separation, and the Board of Regents office attempted to assist the center.
Cramer says the Board then moved to make the Center an independent unit with the University serving as a vendor for any services needed. He says they appreciate the time and energy Professor De Castro put into the center, but the Board has a very different view of how to move forward.
Cramer says. Cramer says they look forward to working with new director Carson Holloway to make the Center a success. Cramer says they will now negotiate a compensation package for Holloway, and did not mention how soon he will begin.
