Greg Emery, former director of Ohio University’s Global Leadership Center is being investigated for “allegations of inappropriate conduct" and was placed on paid leave last month
Greg Emery, former director of Ohio University’s Global Leadership Center, is being investigated for “allegations of inappropriate conduct” and was placed on a leave of absence by the university on Oct. 14, according to a letter sent to Emery last month.
The letter, from Lorna Jean Edmonds, vice provost of Global Affairs and International Studies, states Emery is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Emery is set to receive a salary of $84,545 this year.
The letter mandated that Emery not report to work, perform work duties or act on behalf of the university.
He is not permitted to be on campus unless for an official meeting and is prohibited from contacting any current and past students and employees.
OU declined any comment on the investigation as it is ongoing, said Katie Quaranta, an OU spokeswoman.
The Post first reported on Nov. 3 that Emery was on a leave of absence. At the time, the university would not say why and whether the leave of absence was voluntary or forced. Edmonds told faculty at the time the management change was caused by a shift in leadership, without saying why.
Through a public records request, The Post obtained a copy of Emery’s personnel file that included the letter showing he was placed on a leave of absence by OU.
That personnel file shows Emery to be an accomplished and internationally recognized academic, as well as someone seen as key to OU’s global outreach efforts. For example, he has taken OU students to Vietnam multiple times. Reports of previous misconduct or discipline were not included or referenced in his file.
The letter also mandated that he surrender all property belonging to the university, including office keys and identification cards. He is restricted from accessing any computer related resources, including university email.
Emery had been the director of the GLC since 2000. The center functions as a two-year certificate program that prepares students for internationally-focused leadership. He oversaw the program’s faculty and staff, led various projects and did international work for the center, according to documents in his personnel file.
Emery spent much of his career working internationally, particularly with countries in Southeast Asia. OU has partnerships with universities and governments in that region.
Emery received a Fulbright Senior Specialist status and an honorary PhD from the University of Cambodia in 2011 and 2008, respectively.
He has received multiple raises while working at OU, according to salary information in his personnel file. He was also given high performance ratings this year in a staff feedback report from the university.
The letter also stated that this is not a “disciplinary measure,” but that disciplinary measures may be imposed in the future and may be applied to his paid leave.
Robert Stewart, director of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, replaced Emery as interim director of the center in October.
“The GLC enrolls very, very motivated students,” Stewart said. “My job is to make sure they are getting what they need in the way of answers to questions and concerns. The main challenge right now is arranging the international programs that are required for the GLC certificate. I’m working with my staff right now to develop two summer programs and a December break program.”
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