Acting UC Davis Chancellor Hexter addresses media after Katehi is placed on leave

By Meseret Carver,
BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–

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“I intend to do all I can to be a strong and effective steward for UC Davis for our students, faculty, staff and for our extended community. Throughout my years as provost, I have been proud to be a part of tremendous positive momentum in key areas, including enrolling more undergraduate Californians than any other UC campus. I appreciate the kindness and encouragement of our diverse campus community. I ask for your continued support as we move our great university forward.” ~Statement from Acting Chancellor Ralph Hexter

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Acting UC Davis Chancellor Ralph Hexter said Thursday that he does not know “what the future brings” in regards to UCD Chancellor Linda Katehi’s job status.

“She is tremendous leader. She’s the reason I came to this university,” Hexter said at a press conference this afternoon in front of Mrak Hall

The former UC Berkeley dean, who has served as UCD’s provost since 2011, said it is hard for anyone to understand the complexities of the issue.

Hexter informed the media that the investigation into possible violation of UC policies by Katehi is being conducted by UC President Janet Napolitano, and not by faculty; Hexter himself does not know what will happen.

According to a UC press release Wednesday night, Katehi has been placed on “investigatory administrative leave from her position as chancellor pending the outcome of this investigation.”

President Napolitano will bring an independent investigator on board to help with the report, which will be submitted before the 2016-­17 school year.

“I am deeply disappointed to take this action,” Napolitano said.

Hexter, who will be filling the UCD chancellor position, said at the press conference that UCD faculty are “public servants” who will try to fix problems as best they can.

He also stated that students are “a part of the voices” that help make decisions. Hexter will meet with ASUCD later and says he is excited to hear student feedback.

The full press release from the UC Office of the President is below.

Information has recently come to light that raises serious questions about whether Chancellor Katehi may have violated several University of California policies, including questions about the campus’s employment and compensation of some of the chancellor’s immediate family members, the veracity of the chancellor’s accounts of her involvement in contracts related to managing both the campus’s and her personal reputation on social media, and the potential improper use of student fees. The serious and troubling nature of these questions, as well as the initial evidence, requires a rigorous and transparent investigation.  As such, President Napolitano will  appoint an independent, outside investigator to conduct the investigation and submit a report, before the start of the 2016-17 academic year.  The president, with the support of the leadership of the Board of Regents, has determined it is in the best interest of UC Davis that Chancellor Katehi be placed on investigatory administrative leave from her position as chancellor pending the outcome of this investigation.  Pursuant to an existing delegation of authority, UC Davis Provost Ralph Hexter will fill the chancellor role on an acting basis.

 “I am deeply disappointed to take this action,” said President Napolitano. “But Davis is a strong campus, nationally and internationally renowned in many academic disciplines.  I’m confident of the campus’s continued ability to thrive and serve California students and the Davis community.”