University of California Office of the President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 4, 2005
Michael Reese (510) 987-9179
michael.reese@ucop.edu
Brad Hayward (510) 987-9195
brad.hayward@ucop.edu

STATEMENT ON RESIGNATION OF UC PROVOST M.R.C. GREENWOOD

University of California President Robert C. Dynes today (Nov. 4) issued the following statement:

This morning I accepted the resignation of Provost M.R.C. Greenwood. Her decision was reached in the context of a University investigation of possible improper hiring practices and conflict of interest concerns.

The investigation has involved both the General Counsel and University Auditor’s Offices, and centers on two hirings. The first involves Professor Lynda Goff, who was hired by Provost Greenwood first as a Faculty Associate and more recently as Director of the Science & Math Initiative. It has been disclosed, in the wake of inquiries by the San Francisco Chronicle, that Provost Greenwood and Dr. Goff have until recently had jointly owned rental property. It appears that Provost Greenwood may have been involved in Dr. Goff’s hiring to a greater extent than was appropriate, given that her business investment with Dr. Goff had not been properly and fully resolved in accordance with conflict of interest requirements. This in no way reflects on Dr. Goff, her credentials, or the terms and conditions of her appointment. This involves only the appropriateness of Provost Greenwood’s role in her hiring.

The second issue under investigation involves the hiring process for Provost Greenwood’s son, James Greenwood, as a paid Senior Intern on the UC Merced campus. At question is whether Vice President for Student Affairs Winston Doby acted improperly in any way in helping Mr. Greenwood secure his position. Not at question is any aspect of Mr. Greenwood’s performance in the position that he has held since last August at UC Merced, where he is reportedly making a valuable contribution. Vice President Doby has been placed on paid investigatory leave pending the completion of the investigation.

Let me stress there is no presumption of wrongdoing, and that the University expects to complete its review of these matters shortly. Provost Greenwood has cooperated fully with the investigation. She has, however, indicated that she wishes to resign as Provost to return to her academic pursuits in the University. I have accepted her resignation with respect for the outstanding academic leadership she has provided to the University, both as Chancellor of the Santa Cruz campus and, over the last two years, as Provost. I wish her only the best in her academic pursuits.

In the meantime, I have appointed Executive Vice Provost and Vice President for Academic and Health Affairs Wyatt R. Hume as both the Acting Provost and Acting Vice President for Student Affairs. While this is a difficult moment for many of us, I want to assure you that the work of Academic Affairs will continue moving forward, thanks in no small part to the sustained, dedicated contributions of our staff.

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Editor’s Note: Given the ongoing nature of the investigation, the University will be unable to comment beyond this statement at this time.