After months of heavy criticism, members of the board of trustees at The University of Akron and President Scott Scarborough have reached a mutual agreement for Scarborough's resignation.
UA held a special meeting Tuesday where the board announced President Scarborough's expected resignation after months of criticism from faculty and students for the way the university handled budget cuts and layoffs.
The news also comes after UA decided to terminate its contract with a success coaching program, about a year after it that was put in place as the university was dealing with budget issues. Board of Trustees Chairman Jonathon Pavloff said the board determined that "new leadership is needed for the University to move forward and achieve sustained success in the future."
Scarborough, whose base pay is $450,000 a year, has the option to either take a buyout of about a year's salary or become a professor in the college of business admistration. The university will also reimburse Scarborough for the "necessary and reasonable moving expenses from the University's presidential residence up to $15,000." Scarborough must vacate the residence on or before September 27, 2016.
Dr. Rex Ramsier, interim senior vice provost, has been named acting president until an interim president is named.
Letter from President Scarborough to Faculty, Staff and Students
The University's Board of Trustees and I have mutually agreed that, effective May 31st, I will step down as President of The University of Akron. It is our belief that new leadership is needed for the University to move forward and achieve sustained success in the future.
I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve this great University and work not only to address the challenges that were before it when I arrived, but also to begin the process of change that is necessary for the University to succeed in the rapidly changing environment of higher education.
I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for giving me the opportunity to serve. As I look forward to the next chapter in my life, I hope that our faculty and staff, our passionate alumni, generous donors and committed and sincere members of the Akron community come together to advance the process of change and continuous improvement necessary for The University of Akron to realize its vast potential.
Sincerely,
Scott L. Scarborough, Ph.D.