Clemson, UF, UVU and other colleges get new leaders as the academic year begins. July is typically a quiet time for administrative shifts, but several institutions faced a chaotic start to the new term.
Chaos at the University of Florida
Stuart Bell became president of the University of Florida on July 1. His arrival followed a process described as delayed and chaotic by observers. In May, the search committee recommended Bell, the former president of the University of Alabama, as the sole finalist.
Governing board Chair Alan Levine delayed Bell’s confirmation at the last minute. Levine cited concerns the UF board was out of compliance with system regulations. The university board disputed these allegations and named Bell interim leader on June 22.
Bell also faced a conservative campaign against his selection. Critics highlighted his previous diversity, equity and inclusion work at Alabama. This mirrors last year’s conflict over Santa Ono, who was denied confirmation by the system board.
Related: Culture Not Always Key to Merger Success
The system’s governing board finally held the confirmation vote a week later. Bell took the helm immediately. He is the university’s first permanent president in almost two years.
Shifting leadership in the Mountain West
Jeremiah Shinn became the 20th president of the University of Montana on July 1. The board named him in April after an “expedited and full” search process. Shinn replaced Seth Bodnar, who stepped down in January amid rumors he would run for U.S. Senate.
Bodnar formally announced his candidacy two months later. In the five months between his departure and Shinn’s first day, the university operated without a formal leader. Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian told Montana Public Radio that an interim president was not necessary.
Boise State University also installed a new leader on July 1. David Hahn, previously the dean of engineering at the University of Arizona, assumed the role unanimously. He has until Aug. 10 to begin working on campus despite not yet relocating to Idaho.
Clemson University also found itself with a vacancy. Kevin Guskiewicz announced he would keep his job at Michigan State rather than lead Clemson. The trustees had selected Guskiewicz in May with a start date that had not been finalized.
Related: Massachusetts gets 23M for clean energy upgrades
Clemson’s trustee board named Benjamin Ayers as the next president on July 9. The news came just days after Guskiewicz shocked the sector by announcing he would keep his job as president of Michigan State University rather than lead Clemson as previously planned.
Trouble at the College of the Florida Keys
The College of the Florida Keys experienced the most disruption. The governing board abruptly fired President Jonathan Gueverra during a special July 20 meeting. The agenda listed only two items, including “Presidents’ Contracts.” The board did not indicate the intention to vote on his continued employment.
The meeting was called with only 72 hours’ notice. Gueverra was not in attendance. Wayne LaRue Smith, a lawyer representing the ousted president, raised objections. Smith alleged the board’s actions violate Florida’s open meetings law.
Gueverra intends to seek a formal hearing before the state’s administrative agency to challenge his termination. The board named Brittany Snyder, the college’s chief financial officer, as interim president.
