WKU University Senate passes motion of “no confidence” in Provost Terry Ballman

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – On Thursday afternoon, the Western Kentucky University Senate held a special meeting to address the recent grievances and concerns surrounding the sudden resignation of Potter College Dean Larry Snyder.

Senators, students, and faculty filled the Grise Hall Auditorium to listen to what others had to say regarding the current situation in the administration.

Guy Jordan, an art professor on the Hill, officially made a motion for the following:

• Be it resolved that the University Senate has no confidence in the leadership of Provost Ballman. This will be voted on by secret ballot.

Following Jordan, several senators in the crowd spoke at length about Snyder’s shocking resignation, all stating that he was forced to do so, and it had to do with neither misconduct or health concerns.

Other senators that spoke said they were concerned with the Provost’s lack of respect for the faculty and the different departments. Several echoed sentiments that they’re fearful of being fired from their roles, without cause, just like Snyder allegedly was. Some senators didn’t even attend the meeting in fear of retaliation in the form of impending academic program cuts.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a vote was held on the resolution, and senators voted 50 to 10 in support of no confidence in Provost Ballman, thus passing the motion.

Senate Chair Kirk Atkinson is expected to notify President Caboni of the no confidence vote on Thursday night.

Following the vote, WKU Media Relations Director Bob Skipper released this statement:

“A vote of no confidence is exceedingly rare in higher education and at our institution. WKU takes shared governance seriously and will need some time to react appropriately to this action taken by our University Senate.”

This is not the first time a vote of no confidence has occurred with the Provost at WKU.

Former Provost Barbara Burch had a vote of no confidence against her, but was not dismissed from her position.