By
Rebecca Missel
Arizona Daily Wildcat
President Clara Lovett listed in good condition at Flagstaff Medical Center
Northern Arizona University President Clara Lovett is listed in good condition at a Flagstaff hospital after rolling her car on Wednesday.
The accident occurred 17 miles outside of Flagstaff on northbound Interstate 17. Lovett was returning to NAU after a meeting in Phoenix when her 1996 Audi sedan drifted to the left side of the highway at about 4 p.m., Arizona Department of Public Safety reports stated.
Department of Public Safety Officer Mel Cody said when Lovett realized she was drifting, she rotated her car clockwise and skidded across both lanes of the highway to the right side. Her car then rolled into the shoulder, Cody said
"There is a slight embankment and she rolled down in there," Cody said. "She was wearing her seatbelt, so she stayed in the car."
Lovett suffered internal bruising but her injuries are not life threatening, said Kurt Davis, vice president of publicity and marketing for NAU.
"She is lucid, very sore and very lucky," Davis said. "She's a tough lady, but she survives pretty well."
DPS is still investigating the cause of the accident since Lovett does not recall anything that occurred, except that she was going back for a campus event at 5 p.m.
Sharon Kha, University of Arizona spokeswoman, said she was unaware that the accident had taken place, but sent her best wishes.
"In terms of a president, Lovett has a very clear vision," Kha said. "She has implemented that vision in a persistent and methodical way, especially when it comes to distance learning."
Lovett was treated at Flagstaff Medical Center, 1200 N. Beaver St., and is expected to be released today.
