2008 Woodie Awards
Athletic director relieved of duties
Marco Santana/Editor-in-Chief
Issue date: 8/13/07 Section: News
Eastern's athletic director, who recently was named in a sexual harassment complaint, was relieved of his duties and placed on 12 months paid administrative leave effective immediately, President William Perry said Monday afternoon.
Rich McDuffie, who was set to begin his 11th year as athletic director, will be replaced by Dan Nadler, the vice president for student affairs, on a temporary basis until the university names an interim Director of Athletics.
"He may be assigned special projects yet to be determined by the president," said Vicki Woodard, the school's director of media relations.
Under Eastern regulations, employees who have been with the school at least 5 years must be given a year's notice before they can be terminated.
Perry called a meeting with the athletic department for 9 a.m. Tuesday.
According to Woodard, Perry said he felt it was "a time for a change in leadership in the department of athletics."
The university had just finished an investigation into sexual harassment accusations made by Eastern's Director of Athletic Development Pam Collins, who has been at Eastern for 30 years.
Woodard would not confirm or deny whether the decision was related to the accusations.
The investigation concluded that there was not enough evidence to find sexual harassment.
Rich McDuffie, who was set to begin his 11th year as athletic director, will be replaced by Dan Nadler, the vice president for student affairs, on a temporary basis until the university names an interim Director of Athletics.
"He may be assigned special projects yet to be determined by the president," said Vicki Woodard, the school's director of media relations.
Under Eastern regulations, employees who have been with the school at least 5 years must be given a year's notice before they can be terminated.
Perry called a meeting with the athletic department for 9 a.m. Tuesday.
According to Woodard, Perry said he felt it was "a time for a change in leadership in the department of athletics."
The university had just finished an investigation into sexual harassment accusations made by Eastern's Director of Athletic Development Pam Collins, who has been at Eastern for 30 years.
Woodard would not confirm or deny whether the decision was related to the accusations.
The investigation concluded that there was not enough evidence to find sexual harassment.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 12
Not Shocked
posted 8/13/07 @ 5:48 PM CST
It's about F*&^* time
Who else knew
posted 8/13/07 @ 6:09 PM CST
I hope that all the people who probably knew about this in the athletic department don't leave this woman out to dry. Athletic departments are notorious for clamming up when stuff like this hits the fan. (Continued…)
Kyle
posted 8/13/07 @ 7:24 PM CST
Wow. Perry makes a gutsy decision that makes sense for the university and was morally right. A decision that should have been made years ago.
Chris_Kromphardt
Chris Kromphardt
posted 8/13/07 @ 9:22 PM CST
Too bad this had to happen AFTER the wrestling program was already axed.
THIS IS A JOKE
posted 8/14/07 @ 8:17 AM CST
This is an absolute joke!!! McDuffie is good man who has not only done a lot for Eastern but also for the student athletes at Eastern. To remove him from his position because of accusations is ridiculous. (Continued…)
mom
posted 8/14/07 @ 8:33 AM CST
Get rid of McDuffie He has no business being around students What's a year going to do? He's already been made to go to counseling.
debbie
posted 8/14/07 @ 8:58 AM CST
Congrats to EIU this is how we show society that you cannot do what ever to whomever and get away with it. President Perry I'm thankful you took this step. (Continued…)
PAID
posted 8/14/07 @ 10:48 AM CST
To: THIS IS A JOKE
Are you the same broad or dude that is the only one defending him in all these articles? Why don't you dig a little deeper into his past and find out that he was "relieved" of his duties at two other previous schools for alcohol with a student and inappropriate relationships with the wife of a prominent town official. (Continued…)
Student
posted 8/14/07 @ 11:53 AM CST
It is too bad that this didn't happen before the EIU wrestlers and Ms. Collins had to suffer. This may not be the kind of publicity EIU wants, but in the end it's for the better. (Continued…)
agree
posted 8/14/07 @ 3:56 PM CST
Finally a President who will do the right and moral thing.
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