The Iowa City-based University of Iowa is on the hunt for new leadership again, The Gazette reported Dec. 15.
The university is restarting its search for a vice president of medical affairs to head UI Health Care and serve as dean of its Carver College of Medicine, according to the newspaper. In October, an offer was extended, but the candidate turned it down due to family obligations.
Brooks Jackson, who currently holds the role, announced plans to step down and join the faculty as an infectious disease researcher in February, but he's staying in the role until a successor is named.
The university considered splitting the combined role of vice president and dean into two separate positions, according to the newspaper. It hosted 11 listening sessions over eight weeks to get feedback.
"We obtained very helpful feedback on the search process and the leadership qualities that are needed to ensure that UI Health Care can best serve the university and the state of Iowa well into the future," Barbara Wilson, the university's president, said in a statement sent to The Gazette. "We also heard very clearly that keeping the dual position intact so that one leader serving as both vice president and dean can balance our tripartite mission of research, education and patient care."
The university is also beginning a search for a new CEO of UI Hospitals and Clinics this week, according to the newspaper. The former CEO, Suresh Gunasekaran, was named president and CEO of UCSF Health in January. Chief Nursing Executive Kim Hunter, DNP, RN, is currently serving in the interim role at UI Hospitals and Clinics