University of Virginia Rector Helen Dragas has engaged Hill+Knowlton Strategies as the university's board handles fallout from the ouster of popular president Teresa Sullivan.
The surprise firing of Sullivan after less than two years sparked an outcry from faculty and students at the university, drawing national attention and media to the dispute. The reason for her ouster was not elaborated upon by the university's board, leading to speculation that a wealthy donor influenced the move.
UVA said in a statement that the firm was hired on behalf of the rector and the board of visitors to assist them in handling the matters over the past weeks.
Despite a report in the Washington Post that the U-Va. Foundation is picking up the PR tab, the university stressed that no state funds will be used to pay H+K. The the funds will come "from other sources of University funds, including the endowment," the school said.
Sullivan speaks with the press on June 18. (Photo: UVA) |
An H+K spokeswoman told O'Dwyer's the firm can't comment on the matter.
In a statement Monday, Dragas said the dismissal of Sullivan was the right move “firmly grounded in what we believe to be in the very best and long-term interests of the university,” but added that the PR was mishandled.
“We recognize that, while genuinely well-intended to protect the dignity of all parties, our actions too readily lent themselves to perceptions of being opaque and not in keeping with the honored traditions of this university,” she said.
That statement came the same day students and faculty rallied outside of a board meeting and the UVA faculty senate demanded the resignation of Dragas and another board member, along with the re-instatement of Sullivan.
UVA at 2:33 a.m. today named Carl Zeithaml, dean of the McIntire School of Commerce, as interim president.