Dive Brief:
- A letter by Winthrop University’s board chairwoman reveals that the university’s president was terminated because she misled trustees and engaged in “explosive” and “unprofessional” behavior.
- Chairwoman Kathy Bigham writes that the suspended president, Jamie Comstock Williamson, lied to the board about Williamson’s hiring of her husband, Larry; communication with students about fee increases; and a salary review process.
- A letter in response, from Williamson’s attorney, states that Williamson did not mislead the trustees and that she may sue the board for breach of contract, slander, and defamation.
Dive Insight:
The Herald in Rock Hill, SC, uncovers some great details in its story on the battle between the trustees and the ousted president. Bingham’s letter cites Williamson’s “explosive, berating, demeaning, hostile, condescending, rude and other unprofessional behavior” and says she failed “to adhere to basic principles of integrity, honesty, respect for others, fairness, and accountability.” Williamson’s attorney, Bev Carroll, says in her letter that some board members “are not pleased to deal with a woman who is direct in her approach and is not concerned with stroking personalities.”
Also, the attorney writes, the trustees were aware of Larry Williamson’s employment, were not misled about communication of a summer school tuition increase and specifically told Williamson that decisions about salary increases were up to her. In what appears to be a formality, Williamson will be given an opportunity to respond to the board’s concerns at a June 26 session.
