Dr. Bob Paxton, a man who was a professional success as president of Iowa Central Community College, but whose controversial photo stirred community outrage, is resigning.
According to Iowa Central Board President Mark Crimmins, he met with Paxton Wednesday and both parties agreed on Paxton's departure. A search process for Paxton's replacement will begin immediately, Crimmins said.
''Dr. Paxton has always told me that he would resign if his continued presence would adversely affect the college in any way,'' Crimmins said. ''He is keeping true to his word.''
The photo, which was published in The Des Moines Register on Saturday, shows Paxton on July 4 at Lake Okoboji holding a keg above a young woman's head.
''The photo shows him in his personal life,'' Crimmins said. ''He didn't violate any laws or policies that I'm aware of. It's because the photo has so adversely affected the college. That's why it's become an issue."
The two have negotiated a severance package that will likely be approved by the Iowa Central board at a 5 p.m. meeting today, Crimmins said.
He declined to comment on the severance package until the full board had the opportunity to discuss and approve the deal. The board will also vote on Paxton's resignation.
At press time, Paxton had not returned a phone call to The Messenger.
Paxton's 13-year career at Iowa Central is decorated with many achievements from boosting sagging enrollment to helping land an $18 million bond referendum to fund many projects - including a bio-science program at the community college.
However, a transcript-fraud scandal that erupted in 2002 was hard to overcome.
A former football player, B.J. Van Briesen, was reportedly given credit for courses he didn't complete to make him academically eligible for the 2000 season.
After a year of investigation, a grand jury indicted Paxton; Tom Beneke, vice president of enrollment management and student development; Dennis Pilcher, athletic director; and Kevin Twait, the head football coach.
Paxton was charged with two counts of felonious misconduct in office, falsifying public documents and tampering with records. All charges against Paxton were dismissed.
Meanwhile, a legal struggle with a former instructor at the college continues.
The Iowa Court of Appeals recently ruled that a lawsuit Mary Conrad filed against the college must go to trial again. The case spawned from the 2002 scandal, with Conrad alleging that the college and Paxton interfered with her career at that time. No trial date has been set.
For now, a majority of the faculty and staff are standing behind Paxton as a successful college president, said Teresa Jackson, director of theater at the college.
According to Jackson, Paxton held a faculty and staff meeting Monday, where he apologized for the reflection his controversial photo made upon the college.
''He was heartbroken that he had hurt us through his actions. Nobody doubted that,'' Jackson said. ''The faculty and staff met his talk with a standing ovation. We are not condoning the photo, but we're not condemning him as not being able to do his job."
Jackson admits that most people know Paxton has problems. She said his dedication to the college led to the detriment of his family and personal life.
''He hasn't always been perfect,'' she said. ''But he's always been an amazing leader.''
Contact Abigail McWilliam at (515) 573-2141 or amcwilliam@messengernews.net
