Report: Central State president 'rude, belittling,' but actions not discrimination

A report on the investigation into the Central State University president released Wednesday states that his conduct may be "rude, belittling and bullying," but it does not rise to the level of harassment or discrimination.

Jack Thomas, who has led one of Ohio's two historically Black universities in Wilberforce since July 2020, was under investigation for a complaint filed against him by five female employees with the school's board of trustees. In the complaint, the women claimed Thomas caused them mental, emotional and financial stress, "effectively killing the careers" of each of them.

At the request of the university's board, the state attorney general's office hired the Ohio-based law firm Taft, Stettinius and Hollister to investigate the accusations against Thomas. The two-page report substantiates in part the claims of the five female employees, but states that "most of the complaints focus on what can be described (as) leadership skills and style; professionalism."

The report did not find, however, that the employees were the victim of hiring discrimination practices.

Complaint argued women were demoted, fired

The five women who signed the complaint emailed to the board of trustees are Isabelle Cayo-Sanders, former director of admissions and enrollment management; former registrar Felicia Harris-Nagel; Wendy Hayes, previous vice president of student affairs who now serves as a liaison for honors and international student affairs; Leesha Ramsey, former executive director of Central State's undergraduate student success center; and communications coordinator Lena Fields-Arnold.

In a joint statement, the women said they feel "betrayed" by the institution they love and said they hope the university's board of trustees does not renew his contract in June.

"He will continue to disrespect, bully and demean those that he views as 'strong' or intimidating to him," the joint statement read.

The female employees' attorney, David Duwel, said his clients were fired or demoted and replaced with acquaintances of Thomas who were unqualified, or at least less qualified than his clients. He declined to make one of his clients available for an interview and said he feared doing so could interfere with the investigation.

Higher ed news:Sources vary on power struggle between Ohio State's Kristina Johnson and Les Wexner

The investigators' report states, "There is no evidence that President’s Thomas’ hiring decision was based on a discriminatory reason, but he relied on his personal preference and familiarity with those hired."

A statement from Central State University said that Thomas will undergo "executive leadership and effective communication coaching.” Board Chair Mark Hatcher said in a statement that the board appreciates Thomas' vision, drive and accomplishments.

"The board, however, expects university employees to conduct themselves at all times with civility and mutual respect for fellow employees,” Hatcher said.

Thomas said he looked forward to reflection, but said he believes all of his actions have been in the best interest of Central State University.

“While I have always intended to treat those around me with respect, in the process of helping transform Central State University, I am charged to encourage and hold those who work for the institution with high and lofty expectations," Thomas said in a statement.

Thomas faced controversy at previous university

This is not the first time Thomas has faced controversy against him, The Dispatch previously reported.

While president of Western Illinois University (WIU), Thomas faced backlash over his handling of the top job, including issues of infighting, racial hostility, declining enrollment and the departure of senior administration officials, The State Journal-Register, a Gannett sister paper of The Dispatch, reported when he resigned in 2019.

During his eight years as president at WIU, Thomas' administration received a vote of no confidence from the faculty senate, and an alumni council reportedly voted to approve a resolution asking for him to be fired. He also received pushback for firing a 35-year WIU employee who was the vice president of advancement and a star basketball player in the school's athletic hall of fame, the Journal-Register reported.

@Colebehr_report

Cbehrens@dispatch.com