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LMC Comments on Spielvogel Suspension

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Lake Michigan College President Dr. Jennifer Spielvogel may have sealed her own fate by taking her own perceived fame a little too seriously. According to a public statement based on minutes from the special Board of Trustees meeting held last Friday in which the board suspended her, Dr. Spielvogel was spending money on unauthorized expenses, was planning an inauguration, complete with a commemorative "chain of office medallion," had undertaken renovations of the President's office and other more serious charges regarding policy and management behavior resulting in her suspension and impending termination. 

Spielvogel was hired in January to succeed retiring president Dr. Robert Harrison after 16 years of service. 

During last Friday's special meeting, the board found there was sufficient information to find that just cause exists to support Spielvogel’s termination pending the final determination at a just cause hearing before the Board. The vote was unanimous and the hearing will be held within 30 days. 

The board explained that it believes just cause may exist to support the termination based upon the following factors:
 

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  • Inadequate goals and objectives…
  • Unapproved and unauthorized costs expensed to the college…
  • Policy violations…
  • Renovations to the president’s office…
  • Her planned inauguration…
  • Purchase of a chain of office medallion…
  • Improper management behavior…
  • Improper comments…
  • Lack of professionalism…

The board became concerned when reviewing expense requests and spoke with Spielvogel about the issues before the decision was made in the meeting. 

If the college should terminate employment for just cause, it is under no contractual obligation to award severance compensation or any other compensation, or continue any other fringe benefit provided by the contract. 

The college has not appointed an interim president to serve during Spielvogel’s suspension. She is currently suspended with pay and members of the Board and Cabinet are directing normal operations.

Board Chair Mary Jo Tomasini says, “Although we are very disappointed, we know the college will continue to flourish thanks to the steadfast dedication of our employees and profound support from our communities. I can speak on behalf of all LMC trustees that we hold our responsibility to the College in the highest regard and will always work to make the best decisions, even if they’re not always the easiest.” 

Meeting minutes can be found on the college website: Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes April 8 2016.

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