Oregon State Cascades Removes Chancellor Amid Investigation

Oregon State University Cascades has removed chancellor and dean Sherman Bloomer over information revealed during an investigation led by the university’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Access, Central Oregon Daily News reported.

According to a message to the campus community from OSU provost and executive vice president Roy Haggerty, the investigation is being “conducted by an outside team” and began after the Office of Audit Risk and Compliance received a complaint on March 18.

Details of the complaint have not been made public.

“I ask for patience as investigators continue to work deliberately and expeditiously according to university policies,” Haggerty wrote. “To preserve accuracy, thoroughness, and due process, investigations take time and typically include conducting interviews with relevant parties and witnesses and collecting available relevant evidence.” 

“OSU employees are accountable for upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and complying with all applicable laws, regulations and policies,” he wrote. “The university strongly encourages all reports of suspected wrongdoing, violations of university policy, or breaches of ethical conduct.”

Becky Johnson, who previously led OSU, has been named interim chancellor and dean.