This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) rigorously judges its nationwide cancer centers every five years with objective, quantitative criteria. When Mary Beckerle was hired as Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) director in 2006, HCI was struggling to retain its standing with NCI. Under Beckerle's leadership, in 2009, HCI both secured official NCI Cancer Center designation and significantly increased its merit scores.

In 2014, Beckerle led the center to NCI's highest possible overall score: "Exceptional." In that review, HCI was also advanced to the status of a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest designation possible. In both reviews, Beckerle herself was rated an "Exceptional" cancer center director.

I know these things because I was part of the team Beckerle created and charged with achieving the HCI mission: To ease cancer suffering through broad-based efforts in care, research and education.

But I don't speak here as a representative of HCI, I speak here only as a Utahn. On April 17, a power play at the university summarily removed Beckerle from her position. That day, all of us — all 3 million Utahns — lost a charismatic leader who forged ongoing, positive change and maintained a laser focus on achieving better cancer care and treatment for the citizens of our state and region. We all lose if this action is allowed to stand.

Beckerle should be immediately reinstated in her role as HCI CEO and director. The administration that fired her has demonstrated its poor judgment and extreme shortsightedness. It should be removed.

Ellen T. Wilson

Salt Lake City