MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WSAZ) - West Virginia University’s University Assembly voted Wednesday to approve a resolution of no confidence in the leadership of University President Gordon Gee.
Seven hundred ninety-seven members of the assembly voted yay, while 100 voted nay, and 8 votes were invalid.
The vote comes after WVU’s Faculty Senate Office received a petition Aug. 25 to convene a meeting to consider the resolution of no confidence.
According to the resolution, President Gee:
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Has mismanaged the university finances
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Falsely claimed in 2014 and 2016 that he would grow undergrad enrollment to 40,000 in 2020 to justify expansion and spending millions of dollars on projects that would increase WVU debt load by 55%, while during his presidency student enrollments have steadily decreased.
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University debt has increased.
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Failed to be transparent about the source of the budget shortfall
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Failed to communicate why budget cuts contribute to the greater school.
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Failed to disclose the impacts of the cuts, claiming to put students first while not doing that.
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Limited people’s access to quality education
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His administration has refused to be transparent academic transformation that clearly communicates the future of the university and benefits students.
WSAZ asked West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice his thoughts on the vote of no confidence, and he responded saying:
“I do have a lot of confidence in Gordon Gee, and I’ve got an absolute confidence in our university and our Board of Governors and we will get it right,” he said.
Some students like Shan Cawley, a second year Ph.D. student at WVU, said the university is making the wrong decision.
“They really wanna spin it as a win for the university, but no one is winning in this fight, especially one that 179 faculty members livelihoods are at stake,” Cawley said.
Cawley said she hopes to have her voice heard about why this is bigger than just cutting some university programs.
“I am so proud of the faculty for passing both of these resolutions saying that they have no confidence in gee and that they want to freeze the cuts at WVU because it doesn’t just impact the people in the moment its going to impact West Virginians for a very very very long time,” she said.
The WVU Board of Governors released the following statement:
“The West Virginia University Board of Governors appreciates the faculty members who shared their perspectives at today’s University Faculty Assembly meeting regarding consideration of a no-confidence resolution for President E. Gordon Gee and a resolution calling for a freeze of the University’s Academic Transformation process.
“We acknowledge the passage of these votes.
“The Board of Governors unequivocally supports the leadership of President Gee and the strategic repositioning of WVU and rejects the multiple examples of misinformation that informed these resolutions. The University is transforming to better reflect the needs of today, and we must continue to act boldly. President Gee has shown time and again he is not afraid to do the difficult work required.
“The challenges we are facing right now are not unique to WVU. The Board is determined to address the challenges head-on and directed the administration to address Academic Transformation. The Board maintains that we must do this work to remain competitive and relevant as we become an even stronger university.
“Though the University has been working to maximize resources and improve efficiencies since 2015, the Board outlined specifically the need for academic transformation in December 2020. It is important to note that, although the structural budget deficit may have added to the urgency, this transformation process – particularly academic transformation – would still be taking place. We know the process is critical to ensure a strong future for the University, and we required strict timelines which the president and the leadership team are meeting. The Board of Governors will continue to work with university leadership, faculty, staff and students to move quickly and efficiently.
“We do recognize that this is a difficult process. We feel for those who may be affected. We realize this is not easy and none of this was entered into lightly. We remain committed to the work of transforming this beloved University, and together we must continue to focus on our highest priority of educating our students and serving the people of West Virginia.”
The WVU Board of Governors will meet and vote on Sept. 15.