Provost-designate Ben Allen received a letter from Ronald Hill telling him that “family considerations” will keep Hill from coming to Iowa State.

Hill, who has held positions with the University of Portland (Ore.), Villanova University and The American University, was supposed to replace Labh Hira July 1 as dean of the College of Business.

“The primary reason was consideration for his family,” Allen said. “Basically, the Ames community did not match up as well as he hoped with the interest of his family.”

However, as reported in a Daily article on April 9, while addressing a group of about 50 members of ISU faculty and staff, Hill said, “I knew this was a place I could be passionate about. You truly are a diamond in the Midwest.” Hill said of Iowa State, “This is a great place with a great future.”

Allen is working with Provost Rollin Richmond in deciding on the next steps to take.

“We need to take steps very quickly,” Allen said. “Labh Hira is serving as interim dean and is doing an excellent job. We will explore the options for the next couple of weeks and either ask Hira to continue a little longer or look at James Koch.”

Koch, director of the Center for Science, Technology and Society at Santa Clara University of California, was one of the three candidates to visit campus earlier this year.

“By July 1, we hope to have the situation taken care of,” Allen said. I don’t think this makes Iowa State look bad in any way, since [the decision] was based on family considerations. This situation probably is very rare, and it is unfortunate.”

Hill and Richmond could not be reached for comment.

“Many would consider this unprofessional on the part of the candidate,” Allen said.

He added, “The college is under strong leadership, and we won’t lose momentum.”