There are at least two pending complaints against Donna Burgraff, the former dean of Ohio University’s Chillicothe Campus, who resigned from her position Monday.
Complaints regarding an alleged disability discrimination incident and Burgraff’s manner of dissolving the Humanities, Social Sciences and Education division in the fall are both being processed.
“I have confirmed that there is one pending disability discrimination complaint against Donna Burgraff in the Office of Institutional Equity,” said John Biancamano, director of OU’s Office of Legal Affairs, in an email. “The case is currently under review.”
Dennis Deane, a professor of fine arts at the Chillicothe campus, filed another grievance against Burgraff that was outlined in a May 17 letter from Faculty Senate’s Professional Ethics Committee. Deane complained that Burgraff had improperly dissolved the Humanities, Social Sciences and Education division at the Chillicothe campus.
OU President Roderick McDavis is evaluating that complaint, said Becky Watts, McDavis’ chief of staff.
“It’s not unusual for a dean to have a complaint that’s been filed by a faculty member over any number of issues,” said Dan Evans, executive dean of Regional Higher Education. “In and by themselves, they’re just individual events.”
Burgraff verbally resigned from her position as the Chillicothe Campus’ dean Monday, Biancamano said. Her resignation was effective immediately. She will work at the Chillicothe campus next academic year as an assistant professor.
Evans and Burgraff discussed her resignation in a meeting last Thursday with Chief Human Resources Officer Linda Lonsinger, according to a letter Evans sent Burgraff Monday.
The letter outlined the details of Burgraff’s position next year. She will “ideally” teach a minimum of two four-hour courses Fall Quarter, according to the letter. Her starting salary in the fall will be $97,500, down from the $130,000 she received this year.
Evans is the acting Chillicothe dean until Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Martin Tuck takes over as interim dean Tuesday. Tuck met with students and faculty at the Chillicothe campus today.
Burgraff is one of 13 OU leaders to step down from their positions this year. Among the other departures are a vice president, three assistant vice presidents, an executive dean, four other deans and three directors.
This week alone, Media Arts and Studies Director Roger Cooper stepped down and Dean of OU’s Eastern Campus Rich Greenlee filed papers for early retirement.
— Tristan Navera contributed to this story.
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@ThePostCampus
