uSask board of governors fires President

The University of Saskatchewan fired its president, Ilene Busch-Vishniac. The move comes in the midst of what the board of governors described as a “painful week” in which its Provost resigned amidst controversy. In a hastily arranged press conference late Wednesday night, the board of governors announced that it felt “the university’s ongoing operations and its reputational rebuilding efforts will be more effective with new leadership.” Board Chair Susan Milburn said that no single factor led to Busch-Vishniac’s firing, though her role in the firing of Robert Buckingham “obviously weighed in.” uSask’s board of governors emphasized that the institution “is committed to the principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression” and tenure. It also added that the university remains “committed to the goal of financial sustainability and renewal.” Because Busch-Vishniac was fired “without cause,” she is eligible for a severance package as well as a faculty position. Gordon Barnhart has been named Acting President. A uSask grad, Barnhart has previously served as a professor and University Secretary at the university. He was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan in 2006. uSask News Release | StarPhoenix (1) | StarPhoenix (2) | National Post | Globe and Mail | Inside Higher Ed