In a significant development, Barry Fenchak has been dismissed from his position on the board of trustees at Pennsylvania State University. This decision, reported by local news outlets, marks a pivotal moment in the university’s governance.
During a special session held on Monday, the board members cast their votes, resulting in a decisive 30 to 4 outcome in favor of Fenchak’s removal. As one of the nine trustees elected by alumni, Fenchak was nearing the conclusion of his term, which was set to end on June 30. However, the board’s decision means he will not be eligible to serve on the board in the future, as stipulated by the trustee bylaws.
Fenchak, who works as an investment adviser, has been a controversial figure within the board. His legal action against fellow trustees last July, claiming they withheld crucial financial information, has contributed to ongoing tensions. The board’s efforts to remove him intensified following an inappropriate comment he made to a female staff member, which involved a crude joke about a gift he received at a university event.
Last fall, a judge intervened to halt the board’s attempts to remove Fenchak, leading the university to explore alternative strategies, including preventing him from seeking re-election. Despite his efforts to mount a write-in campaign, the lifting of the injunction by the judge ultimately cleared the way for the recent vote.
Trustee Jay Paterno, who opposed the removal, expressed concerns that this action sends a troubling message to future boards regarding governance and accountability.
On the other hand, Trustee Kelley Lynch articulated her support for Fenchak’s ouster, citing his lack of genuine remorse and failure to acknowledge the implications of his actions. She emphasized the importance of accountability in leadership roles, questioning how trust could be established moving forward.
This incident highlights the complexities of university governance and the critical need for responsible leadership within educational institutions.