Faculty of University of Denver Express Vote of No Confidence in Chancellor
In a significant development at the University of Denver (DU), a no-confidence vote was cast against Chancellor Jeremy Haefner by a majority of faculty members who participated in the University-wide poll. The results, announced on June 4, showed that 56% of the participating faculty supported the no-confidence resolution.
The vote, initiated by the Faculty Senate, indicates a notable dissatisfaction among faculty members regarding Chancellor Haefner's leadership. This dissatisfaction is thought to stem from various underlying factors, including faculty concerns, external pressures, institutional challenges, and division among faculty.
One of the key concerns among faculty appears to be academic restructuring and budget reductions directed by campus heads. This is based on a forthcoming book that suggests faculty displeasure with such changes is one of the most common scenarios for no-confidence votes against college presidents.
The University of Denver, like many higher education institutions, is currently grappling with enrollment challenges. The Board of Trustees believes that these challenges require strong leadership to overcome and sees Chancellor Haefner as the right person for the job, citing his strategic acumen and dedication to the university's mission.
The vote has revealed divisions within the faculty, with some colleges showing more support for the chancellor than others. For instance, the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences largely voted for no confidence, while the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the Daniels College of Business mostly voted against it.
Despite these challenges, the Board of Trustees has passed a resolution affirming its "full, unwavering, and public confidence in Jeremy Haefner as chancellor." DU spokesperson Jon Stone stated that the vote by faculty members signifies their deep care about the university's future.
The Board is also committed to shared governance, greater transparency, and collaboration with faculty leaders and the DU community. As a response to the Faculty Senate's concerns, the Board is moving to formalize the faculty-trustee liaison committee proposed by Faculty Senate Chair Dean Saitta.
Following the vote, Chancellor Haefner expressed his commitment to engage with the community, listen, and work collaboratively to make the university stronger. He emphasized that the university's reputation and operations should not be compromised by the no-confidence vote, a concern shared by the Board.
Prior to his tenure at DU, Haefner was provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Rochester Institute of Technology and held several positions at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Haefner, DU's 19th chancellor, was named in 2019 and had previously served as the university's provost and executive vice chancellor.
As the University of Denver navigates these challenging times, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. However, the Board's unwavering support for Chancellor Haefner suggests a commitment to maintaining stability and continuity during this period of change.
- In light of the no-confidence vote against Chancellor Jeremy Haefner at the University of Denver, ongoing discussions will likely involve university presidents and chancellors, higher education leaders, and the importance of shared governance in addressing faculty concerns, such as academic restructuring and budget reductions.
- The ongoing campus debates, including the no-confidence vote and the Board's support for Chancellor Haefner, serve as an example of the intersection of education, self-development (in the sense of personal growth and improved leadership skills), and politics, making the events at the University of Denver notable general news.
