September 13, 2007

Dear Antioch University Board of Trustees,

As villagers and recognized stakeholders with an interest in the future of Antioch College, we are both hopeful and concerned regarding the fast moving events of recent days. We have been impressed by the hard work of the Alumni Board, the College faculty, staff, students, and the many in the Yellow Springs Community who have worked so hard to keep our beloved Antioch College open.  Out of this crisis, together we are creating a great opportunity.

We are hopeful because Antioch’s Development and Alumni Relations (per agreement with the Alumni Board and the Antioch University Board of Trustees) is now under the control of the Alumni Board. Important steps towards the establishing an independent governance structure for the College are being negotiated as the necessary foundation to make significant fundraising possible. The task before us is considerable.

Clearly, in order to accomplish this daunting task, all of us will need to put our best efforts forward and sustain those efforts over time. Much creative energy working in concert will be needed; we cannot afford to be divided or divisive in our actions.

Because such cooperation and trust are needed, we are gravely concerned by the actions and mixed signals from Toni Murdock, which continue to undermine these efforts and, in so doing, threaten the survival of the College.

Distrust was again fanned by her actions taken August 31, when Steve Lawry, the College President, was abruptly ousted from his position, banned from the College campus, and directed not to speak to faculty, staff or students. The same day, without explanation, the Alumni and  Development Office staff were locked out of their emails, their office locks were changed, and they were directed not to speak to Alumni.

When so much more than trust is needed, these kinds of actions seriously jeopardize the hard work before us. For this reason, we feel we must join with the Antioch College faculty and their vote of  no confidence in the University Chancellor, Toni Murdock. We call upon the Antioch University Board of Trustees to seriously consider their support of Ms. Murdock at this time. For time is of the essence.

To succeed in our efforts to save the College, we must all work together in good faith. Our opportunity is now; this opportunity will not come again.

Tony Dallas
Don Benning
Donna Sanders
Judith Wolert-Maldonado
Don Wallace
and YS Citizens for Keep Antioch College Open

Last Modified : October 7th, 2007 Filed under : Letters, news Navigate : Previous post / Next post