A no-confidence vote for Lincoln University's president

Citing falling enrollment, sluggish fund-raising, and a turnover in staff, the faculty union at Lincoln University this week took a vote of no confidence in the school's president, according to several people with knowledge of the matter.

The vote came about five months after the university's alumni association voted no confidence in Robert R. Jennings, who has presided over the historically black university since January 2012.

"Overall," said Robert Ingram, president of the 700-member alumni association, "there's a loss of confidence in his ability to lead the university at a very critical time for colleges and universities in America" - especially historically black colleges and universities.

The votes essentially are symbolic and carry no authority.

University spokesman Eric Webb said Jennings was traveling and could not be reached for comment.

The Inquirer obtained a copy of an e-mail sent to faculty members Friday by John O. Chikwem, a microbiology and immunology professor, that summarized the voting: 64 of the 94 faculty members voted this week, with 58 expressing no confidence in Jennings, according to the professor's account.

Several faculty members contacted Friday declined to comment on the record, saying they feared retribution.

Kimberly Lloyd, chair of the board of trustees, said the board had not been "formally notified" of the faculty vote and could not comment. Of the alumni vote, she said the board was "unable to consider the action due to a number of unanswered questions regarding the legality of its motion, including evidence to substantiate a quorum and a formal vote count, which were requested, but not provided by the association."

Robert Langley, faculty union president, declined to comment.

Before the vote, some faculty members were circulating a document outlining complaints. They cited a drop in enrollment - 7.3 percent following Jennings' first year - a decrease in the endowment, and negative financial ratings.

The state-related university in rural Chester County last year enrolled 1,875 students, and Jennings said last month that he hoped enrollment would shake out about the same this year.

Lincoln in recent years has struggled. Since 2009, full-time equivalent enrollment has fallen 26 percent. Moody's Investors Service in May lowered the university's bond rating and gave it a negative outlook.

The faculty document also faulted Jennings for being slow to raise the $10 million he had set out to bring in and cited 11 administrative positions that have been vacant or filled by interim appointments under Jennings.

"He has brought in no corporate money," Ingram charged.

Alumni giving also has fallen off, said Carol Black, recording secretary for the alumni association. Alumni became upset this year when they learned of the university's plan to demolish several historic buildings on campus for financial reasons.

Alums, Black said, also are upset that Jennings changed commencement and class reunion traditions without consulting them.