Board dismisses president of Cape Breton University after severance agreement

SYDNEY, N.S. – An apparent falling out between the president of Cape Breton University and the school’s board of governors has resulted in the board dismissing David Wheeler from a position he’s held since 2013.

In a news release issued Friday, the board of governors says it voted in favour of an agreement that includes a negotiated severance package with Wheeler.

The board says the move “effectively ends” Wheeler’s tenure as president, and includes a provision that he forego any contractual entitlement to tenure at the school.

“Given that Dr. Wheeler’s departure is a confidential personnel issue that has now been resolved, CBU will not comment further on this matter,” the release states.

“Dr. Wheeler has also agreed to refrain from public comment on this issue.”

Wheeler was placed on a leave of absence with pay on Nov. 1 while officials investigated governance issues.

The release said the ensuing investigation examined issues including the manner in which recent labour negotiations were conducted and reported to the board by Wheeler. It also says it looked at concerns regarding strained working relationships within the school.

In another move Friday the board also voted against the ratification of the tentative agreement reached between the university and the Cape Breton University Faculty Association last month.

In an email, Faculty Association spokesman Andrew Malloy said his members were “disappointed and angry” at the move.

“We are currently engaged in contingency planning, including job action,” Malloy said.

The board said that contrary to some reports, the steps taken by the board during the investigation of Wheeler “had nothing to do with the specific terms of the proposed collective agreement with the Cape Breton University Faculty Association.”

The board said Wheeler’s lawyer approached the investigating counsel about the possibility of avoiding a “protracted legal dispute” regardless of the outcome of the investigation. It says a settlement agreement was worked out as a “reasonable compromise.”

It said the investigation was put on hold pending the board’s endorsement of the settlement terms.

Wheeler’s lawyer, Raymond Larkin, refused comment on Friday.

Larkin had previously said the probe would show his client acted in a way “that was consistent with his oath of office, board of governors policies and bylaws,” and that he “stands by his actions.”

The CBU board said it would now shift its attention to establishing a search committee to find a new president.

It said in the meantime, the university would continue to operate under the leadership of acting president Dale Keefe.

The university did not return a call seeking comment.