ROCK HILL, S.C. – After meeting in a seven-hour special executive session on Friday, Winthrop University trustees voted 12-1 to present President Jamie Comstock Williamson with a notice of the board’s basis for termination.
The Board of Trustees Vice Chair Karl Folkens says the meeting was emotional. The Board immediately suspended the President’s duties and obligations pending further board action.
The move comes after Williamson’s husband was hired by the President’s Chief of Staff and made $27,000 dollars as a part-time employee at the university.
“I know that she’s probably regretful. I can only imagine the reaction from students to see such a strong response from the Winthrop Community,” said Christian Mobley, a Winthrop University student.
Under the terms of her contract with the university, Williamson is entitled to a “reasonable opportunity to be heard” before the board takes further action.
If Williamson chooses to exercise that right, the opportunity will take place on June 26 on campus.
“That is either an open session or a closed session, at her choice,” said Folkens.
The board will then determine if cause exists to proceed with termination.
Debra Boyd, provost and vice president for academic affairs, was directed to assume the duties of the President as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the university.
On Thursday, Williamson and her husband, Larry, returned the $27,000 salary he earned while working part-time in the President’s office to the university.
