Antioch College Closing?

Faculty vote determines ‘no confidence’ in Murdock

At a Sept. 4 meeting of Antioch College faculty, the faculty issued a resolution of “no confidence” in the leadership of Antioch University Chancellor Toni Murdock.

“The chancellor’s precipitous actions have damaged the College to such an extent that her continuation works against the survival of the institution,” the statement said.

All 24 faculty members present at the meeting voted in favor of the resolution.

In the statement issued Sept. 5, the faculty stated that the vote came in response to the “Aug. 31 news that the leadership of Antioch College has been dramatically restructured, including 1) the elimination of the position of College President; 2) the invention of new administration positions; 3) and the encroachment onto the operations of the Alumni and Development offices, all of which were done without consultation with the College Administrative Council or College faculty.”

The resolution stated that “the leadership of the College had been dramatically altered by the premature exit of President Steve Lawry. No reason was given for Lawry’s departure...The recent decision to eliminate the College Presidency therefore comes at a critical point in the negotiations between the College Alumni Board and the University Board of Trustees. The lack of due process surrounding this decision is a violation of the trust that was beginning to be re-established between the College and the larger University.”

“The lack of a President leaves the College vulnerable at a time when the experienced leadership and fundraising expertise is essential as the College develops a sustainable plan for its survival,” according to the resolution.

The resolution also expresses concern at the process regarding Lawry’s firing.

“The suddenness of the Chancellor’s actions occurred in an environment where democratic processes are a standard and an expectation. These actions unfortunately follow a series of interventions on the part of the Board and the University leadership that have reduced the college’s ability to control its own finances, fundraising, curriculum and internal affairs.”

The faculty resolution restates the faculty’s commitment to delivering the “best possible education to present and future Antioch students. These precipitous actions on the part of Chancellor Murdock further weaken the College and severely disrupt the educational mission of this institution.”

Contact: dchiddister@ysnews.com