A 2011 Ohio University graduate is deeply saddened by the way OU handled the investigation of Emery.
As we approach the roughly one year anniversary since Global Leadership Center Director Greg Emery was investigated by Ohio University, I am writing to express my deep disappointment in how this matter was handled by the university.
Much has been written, including by my fellow GLC alumni, in these pages about the specifics and nature of the allegations against Dr. Emery. Frankly, from what I understand and have read, the charges appear to be unsubstantiated, or so trivial as to merit little attention or consequence. Yet the university decided not to renew the contract of this incredible leader and distinguished educator after an investigation that dragged on for months and ultimately exonerated Dr. Emery. The lack of transparency during and after the investigation has been particularly disappointing.
I have an enormous amount of respect for and loyalty toward Dr. Emery, based on a wide-ranging professional relationship that began in 2009. After working with Dr. Emery in a number of countries, cities and contexts over the years, I have developed full confidence and faith in his character and his abilities.
His program was in a class of its own in terms of international affairs programs in higher education. The high quality of his program was widely acknowledged, by those in the governmental, nonprofit and private sectors alike. There is no question that the tremendous amount of success enjoyed by the GLC in recent years could be credited largely to the creative, energetic and innovative leadership Dr. Emery brought to bear on the program. His working relationships with those at the highest levels, from embassies to think tanks to multimillion-dollar companies, spoke for themselves.
While I had the pleasure of studying under and receiving mentorship from a large number of exceptionally talented professors at Ohio University, I can say without reservation that the benefits of working with Dr. Emery were exceptional and unique, and his effect on my academic growth and professional trajectory was perhaps more formative than that of any other.
I credit Dr. Emery with my decision to enter the field of international affairs and know that his influence has been formative in terms of where I have landed in my career.
My days at the GLC will always hold a special place in my heart. I have always thought of my relationship with Dr. Emery as the epitome of what a successful professor-student mentorship relationship looks like. I remember that Dr. Emery pushed me to produce a higher quality of work and professionally excellent product than I had thought possible on multiple projects time and again. I was looking forward to maintaining a productive professional relationship with him and the GLC that would continue for many years.
The whole incident has been deeply disillusioning for me personally, considering my deep pride as a Bobcat alum, fond Athens memories and gratitude and affection for the Ohio University faculty and community.
In short, I am deeply saddened by the way this matter was handled by the university. I have no doubt that someone of Dr. Emery’s caliber will go on to bigger and better things, and continue in a career in the field of international relations that appreciates his many gifts and talents.
Guru Amrit Khalsa is a 2011 Ohio University graduate.
