University of Denver Faculty Express No Confidence in Chancellor: What It Means for the Future

Faculty at the University of Denver recently voted to express their lack of confidence in Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. This decision was reported by the Denver Post and followed an anonymous online poll conducted from June 12 to June 26, where 822 full-time faculty members were eligible to participate. About 70% of them voted, with 56% supporting the no-confidence resolution.

In previous votes, several department heads also voiced similar concerns. The Faculty Senate had previously voted to support a no-confidence motion on June 4, mentioning issues like misplaced financial priorities and a lack of shared vision. This growing unrest among faculty highlights a familiar narrative seen across many college campuses nationwide.

The University of Denver is navigating financial difficulties, partly due to declining enrollment, forcing budget cuts and layoffs. This situation isn’t unique. A recent survey by the American Association of University Professors found that the number of no-confidence votes at universities has been rising, primarily stemming from frustrations over budget cuts and restructuring.

In a recent publication, experts Chuck Ambrose and his co-author explored this phenomenon in their book, “No-Confidence: When College Faculty Turn Against Their Presidents.” They note that such votes often emerge during hardships when faculty feel sidelined in critical decisions.

Despite this turmoil, the Board of Trustees has publicly backed Haefner. They emphasize that leadership is vital during these challenging times. They argue that disruptions from no-confidence votes can harm the university’s reputation when it faces serious enrollment challenges.

Chancellor Haefner, appointed in 2019, has a history in academia, holding various leadership roles in notable institutions. In response to the vote, he pledged to engage more with the faculty and the campus community, aiming for constructive collaboration to strengthen the university amid these challenges.

This event reflects broader trends in higher education today, where financial pressures can lead to tensions between faculty and administration. Addressing these issues transparently could foster a more collaborative environment, which many in the academic community believe is essential for overcoming current obstacles.



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University of Denver,Chancellor Jeremy Haefner,No-confidence vote,Higher education,University presidents and chancellors,Shared governance