BUFFALO, N.Y. — The leadership crisis at Buffalo State University may be entering a new phase as the search will resume for a new president for the SUNY school.
The college's council is pledging to move forward after Wednesday's announcement from SUNY officials that an employment offer had been rescinded for the previously announced new president.
Buffalo State Interim President Bonita Durand put it this way: "This situation that we've just moved past is unfortunate, but it's not one that is going to stop our momentum."
Dr. Durand, who will now stay in that position, was seeking to rally the spirit of council members after SUNY officials moved to reverse their December announcement of the president's post for Dr. Chance Glenn. Glenn has served as Provost and Academic Affairs Vice President at the University of Houston-Victoria campus in Texas.
SUNY officials would not comment. But their decision reportedly follows an investigation launched after questions from faculty at the Texas college surfaced over Dr. Glenn's efforts to obtain a $270,000 National Science Foundation research grant.
On Thursday the Buffalo State Council met in a lengthy executive private session. Council President Linda Dobmeier would only tell reporters that they were "disappointed in the outcome of our search, but we have great hope for the future."
2 On Your Side pressed for more of an explanation from this board of a taxpayer and tuition supported public university, which also faces a $16 million deficit. We asked, do you worry about an image perception here?
Durand responded on the council's behalf.
"We recognize that there is an image perception that we must address, and we must maintain," Durand said.
She added: "Yes, we do have some challenges. That is not at all incorrect. But we believe that if we take our own destiny in our own hands, work together collaboratively. If we continue that momentum, we will have success."
Dr. Glenn responded to 2 On Your Side that he is also disappointed and regrets not having the chance to engage more with the City of Buffalo. He also wished success to Buffalo State for a bright future.
But Glenn then added he would "address the root of the issue here in Texas."
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown on Thursday said he was sad regarding Dr. Glenn's situation. With his previous comments that he had discussed the Buffalo State position with SUNY officials, we asked if he is still interested in the job.
"I'm fully focused on the job of being the Mayor of the City of Buffalo," the mayor said.
Dr. Durand, who just turned 75 on Thursday, is now willing to remain as Buffalo State President for two years.