St. Norbert College officially inaugurated its president, Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., Oct. 10, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — In a symbolic vote, a majority of St. Norbert College faculty members expressed “no confidence” in President Laurie Joyner, citing her “failed leadership” throughout the school’s financial and enrollment crises.
A four-page resolution of no confidence was submitted by the college’s faculty. The vote is symbolic and carries no specific discipline or sanctions for Joyner; it simply serves as a significant opposition among faculty to leadership.
“We, the faculty of St. Norbert College, in recognition of our duty to uphold the institution’s academic integrity and mission, express no confidence in the leadership of President Laurie Joyner. Her administration has overseen enrollment declines; financial challenges; and a steady and swift erosion of faculty, staff, student, alumni, and parent trust, jeopardizing the College’s future,” the resolution states.
In light of the overwhelming evidence of failed leadership, WE, the Faculty of St. Norbert College, formally declare no confidence in the Presidency of Laurie Joyner and call for immediate action by the Board of Trustees to restore leadership that aligns with the mission, values, and sustainability of the College.
The resolution focuses on the following subjects:
- Adaptive Change, Recognition of Loss, & Strategic Vision
- Enrollment Decline & Retention Issues
- Failure to Address Student, Parent, and Alumni Concerns
- Faculty & Staff Departures Leading to Institutional Instability
- Elimination of Faculty Positions & Academic Programs
- Financial Mismanagement & Lack of Revenue Generation
- Erosion of Institutional Trust & Reputation
- Campus Climate & Morale at an All-Time Low
- Failure to Demonstrate Effective Leadership & Accountability
The college has already made two rounds of layoffs in the wake of enrollment dropping by about 500 students in recent years. Now, it is in a process called “retrenchment,” in which it may cut academic programs and layoff faculty. The moves have drawn criticism from some student, parents, alumni and others.
The resolution urges the Board of Trustees to halt proposed faculty and program eliminations until a “transparent, strategic plan” is in place; implement a “comprehensive, independent” financial review to assess alternative solutions to the current crises facing the college; and execute a leadership transition “to restore confidence” among faculty, students, staff and alumni.
Without these actions, the College risks irreparable damage to its reputation and long-term viability.
Joyner took over leadership duties at St. Norbert in July 2023 and was officially inaugurated in October 2024. She is the college’s ninth president and the first-ever female president in St. Norbert’s 126-year history.
Earlier this month, the St. Norbert College Board of Trustees and the leader of St. Norbert Abbey released statements expressing support for Joyner.
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