Comment on University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld to leave earlier than expected

IOWA CITY — The Board of Regents will appoint an interim University of Iowa president in April — reversing retiring UI President Bruce Harreld’s original plans to stay until a successor starts, and possibly longer, in hopes of avoiding interim leadership and ensuring a smooth transition. In a statement Thursday, Harreld said Board President Michael Richards “has requested that I remain president through May 16, which will allow the new president the opportunity to begin at a date of their choosing.” That’s just two weeks after the board expects to pick a new president April 30, and likely before he or she starts.