St. Norbert College Board Defends President Amidst Cost-Cutting Controversy and Alleged "Orchestrated Campaign"
DE PERE, Wis. – The St. Norbert College Board of Trustees has issued a staunch defense of President Laurie Joyner, denouncing what it describes as an "orchestrated campaign" aimed at undermining her leadership during a period of significant financial challenges and institutional restructuring. The college is currently implementing a series of cost-cutting measures, including a third round of layoffs and the potential elimination of 13 academic majors. These actions have sparked controversy and concern within the college community.
The Board of Trustees, chaired by Patti Brash McKeithan, released a letter on Monday emphasizing the difficult realities facing higher education institutions nationwide, including declining enrollment, financial constraints, and shifting student demographics. The letter argues that decisive leadership is crucial to navigate these challenges and ensure the college’s long-term sustainability. McKeithan acknowledged the pain associated with faculty layoffs but insisted that addressing the college’s financial challenges is paramount to preserving its mission.
The Board’s letter explicitly expressed full support for President Joyner, claiming that the alleged campaign is intended to diminish confidence in her leadership. While the letter did not provide details about the nature or source of this campaign, it characterized the efforts as "unjustified and deeply counterproductive." Recent actions by a former St. Norbert College president, who sent a letter to the Board expressing concerns about the layoffs and cuts, along with a letter-writing campaign by some alumni, raise questions about whether these activities are the target of the Board’s statement.
The Board’s message underscores the need for cooperation and unity within the college community, calling for a rejection of divisive actions and communication. The letter condemns the spread of misinformation, arguing that it exacerbates anxiety and undermines the college’s efforts to provide students with a high-quality and affordable education. The Board maintains that it is committed to transparency and shared governance, citing the establishment of communication channels, town halls, and adherence to faculty handbook protocols for retrenchment.
The Board of Trustees highlighted several achievements made under President Joyner’s leadership, including implementing nearly $12 million in budget adjustments, balancing the FY24 budget, and developing strategies to address a projected $7 million deficit in FY26. The letter also emphasized efforts to enhance academic excellence and program innovation, citing the expansion of faculty-driven academic offerings, the introduction of new programs through partnerships, and the preservation of the college’s liberal arts mission.
The Board’s forceful defense of President Joyner signals its commitment to staying the course despite the controversy surrounding the cost-cutting measures. The letter calls for all stakeholders – faculty, staff, students, and alumni – to reject destructive rhetoric and work together to secure the college’s future. The Board reiterated its confidence in President Joyner’s ability to lead the institution through these challenging times and called for a collaborative approach to address the college’s financial and operational challenges. The situation at St. Norbert College reflects the broader challenges faced by higher education institutions across the country as they grapple with declining enrollment, rising costs, and evolving student needs. The Board’s response underscores the importance of strong leadership, transparent communication, and a shared commitment to navigating these complexities.
The Board of Trustees’ strong defense of President Joyner comes at a time of significant uncertainty and anxiety within the St. Norbert College community. The ongoing cost-cutting measures, including faculty layoffs and potential program eliminations, have understandably caused concern and sparked debate about the future direction of the institution. The Board’s letter seeks to reassure stakeholders that these difficult decisions are necessary to ensure the college’s long-term financial stability and preserve its mission. However, the alleged "orchestrated campaign" against President Joyner highlights the deep divisions that exist within the college community regarding these changes. The Board’s call for unity and cooperation will be crucial to navigating these challenges and building a shared vision for the future of St. Norbert College.
The financial challenges facing St. Norbert College are not unique. Many small liberal arts colleges across the country are struggling with declining enrollment and rising costs, forcing them to make difficult decisions about program cuts and staffing reductions. The situation at St. Norbert underscores the need for innovative solutions and strategic planning to ensure the long-term viability of these institutions. The Board of Trustees’ emphasis on academic program innovation and new revenue generation strategies suggests a recognition of the need to adapt to changing student demographics and market demands. However, the success of these efforts will depend on the ability of the college community to come together and work collaboratively towards a shared goal.
The controversy surrounding President Joyner’s leadership and the cost-cutting measures raises important questions about the role of shared governance in higher education. The Board’s letter emphasizes its commitment to transparency and shared governance, citing the establishment of communication channels and adherence to faculty handbook protocols. However, the allegations of an "orchestrated campaign" against President Joyner suggest that there may be differing perspectives on the level of transparency and collaboration that has occurred throughout this process. Moving forward, it will be essential for the Board of Trustees and the college administration to engage in open and honest dialogue with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to build trust and ensure that all stakeholders have a voice in shaping the future of the institution.
The situation at St. Norbert College serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing higher education institutions across the country. Declining enrollment, rising costs, and changing student demographics are forcing colleges to make difficult decisions about program offerings, staffing levels, and tuition rates. The success of institutions like St. Norbert will depend on their ability to adapt to these changing realities while upholding their core values and missions. The Board of Trustees’ defense of President Joyner and their call for unity and cooperation represent a critical step in navigating these challenges and building a sustainable future for the college. However, the long-term success of these efforts will require ongoing dialogue, transparency, and a commitment to shared governance.
