John William Colloton, former CEO of University of Iowa Health Care, died on Nov. 14 at the age of 94. Colloton was appointed to the position in 1971 at 40 years old, becoming the youngest person ever selected for a top role in the hospital’s administration, according to a release from UI Health Care.
Colloton spent two decades in leadership at the hospital before serving as UI vice president for statewide health services, before retiring at the end of 2000. Before becoming CEO at UI Health Care, Colloton worked as assistant and associate hospital director at the university in the 1960s, according to the news release.
During Colloton’s tenure, the hospital estimated three out of five Iowa families received care at or through UI Hospitals & Clinics. In the same era, seven out of 10 Iowa doctors received all or part of their medical education and training through the university.
“These capital improvements were vital to recruiting and retaining physicians and other health professionals and establishing programs of world-class medical care for patients,” the news release said.
Denise Jamieson, UI vice president for medical affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the Carver College of Medicine, praised Colloton in the news release for the impact he made on the health care system, the university, and the well-being of Iowans and their families.
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“So much of what UI Health Care represents today can be traced back to his vision. He cared deeply about the university and our health system, and it’s because he cared so much about Iowa and its people,” she said.
In May 2013, the UI awarded Colloton an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of his service to the hospital — then called UI Hospitals and Clinics — leadership in medicine and public health, and ongoing commitment to the university and its work.
Colloton graduated magna cum laude from Loras College in Dubuque in 1953, before earning his master’s degree in hospital and health administration from the UI in 1957.
During his time with UI Health Care, Colloton was involved in the construction of more than $500 million in new clinical facilities at the hospital. According to the news release, his leadership and the transformation he helped create were remarkable.
“Colloton personified the emergence of UI Hospitals & Clinics, now known as UI Health Care Medical Center, as a tertiary and quaternary care facility, teaching and research hospital, and health care resource for patients across the state and region,” the news release said. “It’s a level of recognition and appreciation that extends beyond the UI Health Care medical center pavilion that bears his name.”