In recent months, Piedmont University in the North Georgia mountains has eliminated teaching positions, navigated financial troubles and seen its provost resign over budget cuts.
James Mellichamp, the school’s president of the last decade, who’s been blamed for many of the problems, announced during Monday’s board of trustees meeting that he will retire, according to a statement to faculty, students and staff. Mellichamp’s announcement seemingly preempted a vote about his firing just a month after a majority of the faculty voted no confidence in his leadership.
“We thank (Mellichamp) for his years of commitment to Piedmont and wish him the best as he moves forward,” read a statement by the faculty senate. “It has not escaped our attention that the press release carefully worded his departure as dependent on the naming of a ‘permanent successor.’ ”
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