An alumni-led group consisting of group members, graduates, and present college students have referred to as for Oakwood College President, Dr. Leslie’s Pollard’s resignation.
In an open letter launched on December twenty eighth, Involved Oakwoodites (CO), a multi-generation coalition, cited grievances with faculty funds, violations of coverage, enrollment, school and employees retention, moral practices, and board governance.
“Our name is the fruits of persistent and troubling patterns that have an effect on the integrity and future well-being of our establishment.” The committee mentioned within the assertion.
“We, the Government Committee of the Involved Oakwoodites Fb group, come to you with heavy hearts and deep sense of accountability. After thorough consideration and cautious evaluation, we’re compelled to name for the quick resignation or removing of Dr. Leslie Pollard from his function as President of Oakwood College.”
Dr. Leslie Pollard has served as Oakwood College’s President since 2011. His tenure is notable for launching Oakwood On-line College, over $30 million of development and renovation, and the creation of Oakwood Natural Farms, the biggest city farm in Northern Alabama. Dr. Pollard can also be identified for his sturdy social media presence and involvement in nationwide politics.
In June 2022, the Oakwood College Board of Trustees voted to increase Pollard’s time period to June 2026.
The Involved Oakwoodites, who shaped in September 2023, have expressed considerations for the college future’s amid present administration since this previous October.
“I’m a involved Oakwoodite so there’s no method that I’d not be right here at the moment to precise the considerations…in love, however in firmness,” Oakwood College Alumnus Dr. Sibyl Beaulieu mentioned to Information 19. “We’re extremely dedicated to this, the stance we’re taking – we need to see motion.”
Specializing in 2018 to 2022, the letter states that whereas web institutional revenue dropped 234 %, the president and his spouse, who till just lately was additionally a college vp and dean of the Faculty of Graduate Research for Oakwood, obtained a 25 % wage improve. This occurred throughout a time when, in accordance with the letter, the vast majority of campus wages remained static.
As well as, the Involved Oakwoodites allege the college produced deceptive details about its nursing program, indicating that the college’s NCLEX go fee was one hundred pc however failing to say there have been solely two nursing college students and that this system’s accreditation is conditional.
The open letter additionally mentioned the pressing name to handle enrollment decline, violation of scholars privateness, campus dwelling circumstances, and disproportionate compensation.
On January 4th, an announcement launched from Oakwood College to Spectrum reaffirmed board help for the president and positioned its troubles inside the bigger difficult context confronted by comparable instructional establishments.
With out denying the alumni group’s considerations, it talked about that directors and the board have been engaged in strategic planning and are “creating up to date plans to additional strengthen Oakwood College’s monetary basis in a method that aligns with and responds to present market realities.” It additionally identified a 2023 improve of $1.2 million in philanthropy over 2022 and up to date institutional accreditation by 2032.
Emphasizing the necessity for transparency and accountability, Involved Oakwoodites co-founder David Individual mentioned in an interview with Spectrum, “We’re going to proceed doing what we began.” He added that they may proceed to launch data “addressing the goals that we not solely have as a bunch, however that we’ve been asking the Board of Trustees [for].”
Sheila McNeil, a member of the Involved Oakwoodite management committee, mentioned her considerations relating to the college’s lack of cooperation with the group. She mentioned enchancment will come if either side “have a critical dialog about college management change.”
No phrase or official announcement from Oakwood College Workplace of Presidency as of but.
