DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – St. Norbert College’s Board of Trustees still isn’t saying exactly why Brian Bruess is leaving his role as president at the end of the school year, but FOX 11 has learned one longtime trustee resigned amid contract negotiations between Bruess and the board.
Three weeks prior to Bruess’ resignation announcement, Mike Haddad, Board Chair for Schreiber Foods, submitted his resignation letter to the Board of Trustees. Haddad was on the board for 10 years and believed by many to be its next chair.
In part of the letter, Haddad wrote, “over the past year there has been considerable concern and frustration expressed by many of the college’s key stakeholders (trustees, major donors, staff, and faculty) in regards to decisions made by college leadership.”
Haddad goes on to write, “over the past few weeks, concerns expressed by key college stakeholders have reached a new boiling point.”
“In light of the impacts of these decisions, and my personal views regarding these decisions, I feels it is in the best interest of the college and my family that I step aside at this time,” wrote Haddad in the letter.
Haddad declined an on-camera interview, but provided FOX 11 with a statement regarding his resignation.
“My decision to resign was a personal one,” said Haddad in the statement. “It should not be interpreted that I disagree with the decision made by the Board of Trustees to accept President Bruess’ decision regarding his contract renewal.”
Haddad also notes he departed the board before it made the decision to accept Bruess’ resignation.
In a letter to St. Norbert President Emeritus Thomas Kunkel, the executive committee for the Board of Trustees states there were several meetings, dating back to the summer, in relation to Bruess’ decision not to seek a renewal of his contract. The letter states the board ultimately accepted that decision and every trustee who attended was provided every opportunity to provide their views.
The only reason the Board of Trustees has given for Bruess’ departure is there were ‘differences over vision for the College.’
Students held protests this week in response to the decision. Another protest is scheduled for next week.
