After an initial shock, the sudden resignation of two Board of Regents members has left many regent and university officials pondering how their departures will affect current board efforts.

Board President John Forsyth of Des Moines and Regent David Neil of La Porte City resigned Monday.

Because of the resignations, some regents and university administrators are worried about losing momentum behind current efforts and initiatives. However, all remain committed and hopeful.

“The Board of Regents remains firmly committed to our mission, vision and priorities of ensuring Iowans have access to high-quality education,” a regents office press release stated. “Our commitment … has not changed.”

Forsyth served as a principal architect of the board’s Partnership for Transformation and Excellence.

He conceived a proposal that would hold all in-state tuition increases to national higher education price index levels for the next four years and reallocate $20 million per year within the universities.

With Forsyth gone, there is some worry about the future of the regents’ plans.

“I think there may be some loss of momentum in the short run, and that’s unfortunate, but expected,” said Iowa City Regent Robert Downer, president pro tem, who is serving as acting president until Vilsack makes an appointment to replace Forsyth.

Downer said the remaining board members are committed to the transformation process and carrying the partnership through.

Forsyth served in a variety of executive positions at the University of Michigan during a 26-year career there, which meant he had hands-on experience managing a university, Downer said.

“I’m not sure there are very many people who have that direct experience and background,” he said.

Aside from constructing the board’s current funding partnership with the Legislature, Forsyth has streamlined the regent institutions governing process, implemented best business practices, combined business functions among universities, reduced administrative positions and cut administrative costs.

“It’s regrettable they had to cut their terms short, but we certainly understand the circumstances,” ISU spokesman John McCarroll said. “Forsyth was a strong leader. You knew where he stood and you knew what he was trying to do.”

Those involved with the regents said they will continue the momentum ushered by Forsyth and Neil, despite their departure.

“Iowa State and the regents will continue to advocate for the plan despite what’s happened to the board, and there is still hope and confidence the Legislature will move forward with it,” McCarroll said.

University and board officials say they are pleased with Vilsack’s appointment of Des Moines resident and Iowa Cubs co-owner Michael Gartner to replace Neil.