Dr. Bob Paxton will walk away from Iowa Central Community College with a $400,000 severance package.
In a brief meeting of the Iowa Central Community College board, which drew about 50 people Thursday, President Paxton's resignation was unanimously accepted and the severance deal approved.
Chuck Peterson, former vice president of financial affairs, will step in as liaison during the search for Paxton's replacement. A search committee will be formed immediately, said Mark Crimmins, Iowa Central board president.
Crimmins said he met with Paxton Wednesday to discuss an incident at Lake Okoboji on July 4. A widely circulated photo snapped by an unknown photographer appears to show Paxton pouring beer down a young woman's throat. Because of the negative impact the photo had on the college, Paxton agreed to resign, Crimmins said.
At press time, Paxton had not returned a phone call to The Messenger.
Paxton's three-year contract with an annual salary and benefits of about $200,000 was signed in July. With the severance package, he'll receive two installments of the $200,000, in January 2009 and January 2010. Additionally, he'll receive health care benefits until he is eligible for Medicare. In exchange for the severance package, Paxton has released his rights to any claims against the college.
Paxton, who signed the agreement Thursday, was noticeably absent from the meeting that lasted less than 10 minutes, his chair vacant.
In his resignation letter to the board, Paxton said, ''It has been a true honor and joy to serve as the president of Iowa Central for the past 13 years.''
Several faculty and staff were present, and tearful. Notably, Karen Lombard, three-year board secretary, visibly wept as she marked down the unanimous votes for his resignation.
It is a rapid shift of leadership for the college.
Peterson, who has been working part time with finances and contracts at Iowa Central, said his role as liaison will bring little change to his current position.
Peterson has been taking care of financing for the college, bond issues and construction contracts, Peterson said.
''I've worked with these people for 30-some years,'' he said.
Crimmins said Peterson was the logical choice.
''I asked Chuck because he has served under every president of the college in the history of the college,'' Crimmins said. ''He knows more about the college than anybody.''
Peterson described his relationship with Paxton as ''fabulous.''
''He is a leader, mentor and great friend,'' he said. '' I'm going to miss walking into his office the first day of the year to shake his hand. It's been a wonderful ride.''
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.
It also includes a transcript fraud scandal that erupted in 2002 when three Iowa Central officials pleaded guilty to record tampering as part of a plea agreement. The school's vice president, athletic director and football coach received deferred judgments. Paxton was charged with two counts of felonious misconduct in office, falsifying public documents and tampering with records. However, all charges against Paxton were dismissed.
Contact Abigail McWilliam at (515) 573-2141 or amcwilliam@messengernews.net
