Wiebe Boer
Wiebe Boer | |
|---|---|
| Former president of Calvin University | |
| In office 2022–2024 | |
| Preceded by | Michael K. Le Roy |
| Succeeded by | TBD |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria |
| Education | Calvin University (BA) Yale University (PhD) |
Wiebe Boer is a businessman and philanthropist who served as the 12th president of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Career[edit]
On 28 March 2022, Calvin University announced that it had appointed Boer as the 12th president of the university.[1] On 26 October 2022, Boer was officially inaugurated as president, after beginning his tenure in July of the same year.[2]
Resignation from Calvin University[edit]
On 26 February 2024, Calvin University's board of trustees announced that Boer had resigned as president after they received a report alleging that Boer had engaged in inappropriate communications with a non-student, non-faculty member of the community.[3] Boer has denied any allegations of misconduct, with his resignation only occurring after the board already decided that he could no longer serve as president of the university.[4]
Lawsuit against Calvin University[edit]
On 12 April 2024, Boer and his wife Joanna filed a lawsuit against Calvin University alleging breach of contract, discrimination, and defamation. The lawsuit alleges that Boer was first made aware that a complaint of inappropriate communications had been issued against him after being called to a meeting with the board of trustees on 22 February 2024. During this meeting, Boer claims he acknowledged having communications with the complainant, but denies that the communication was inappropriate. Boer also claims the board told him to limit communication to only family and a trusted advisor or he would face termination.
On 24 February 2024, the lawsuit states Boer was given a 15-minute meeting with the board to defend himself. After the meeting, the board told him they had the votes to fire him and was given a 7 pm deadline to decide if he would resign. This deadline was later moved up to 5 pm by the board's chair. At 4:55 pm, Boer agreed to resign as president. Following his resignation, the board released a statement that the lawsuit alleges to contain several statements that defame Boer with mentions of the Title IX due process, despite the process never being afforded to him.
Following his resignation, Boer claims he was told they had until 15 April to move out of their home, the DeWit Manor. Boer attempted to negotiate an extension to this, however, no deal was made between him and the university. On 2 April 2024, the suit claims that Calvin officials entered the home and changed all the locks to prevent the Boer family from reentry. On 7 April, the Boer family returned from a family vacation where they claimed they were greeted by Calvin security personnel who would only allow one family member to enter the house at a time accompanied by a member of security to collect their belongings.
Following the issuing of the lawsuit, Calvin University's board of trustees issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and claimed the lawsuit contained several misrepresentations of the events.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ "Calvin University names 1997 graduate as institution's next president". mlive. 28 March 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
- ^ "Dr. Wiebe Boer inaugurated as Calvin University's 12th president". wwmt. 26 October 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
- ^ "Calvin University president resigns over 'inappropriate messages'". mlive. 26 February 2024. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
- ^ "Board releases details about Boer resignation in response to due process concerns". Calvin Chimes. 28 March 2024. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
- ^ "Former president, wife sue Calvin University". WOODTV.com. 12 April 2024. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
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