Elkins Park, Pa.-based Salus University is removing the dean of its Pennsylvania College of Optometry as the university moves forward on a merger with Philadelphia-based Drexel University, according to a Sept. 13 report from The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Michael Mittelman, president of the small private health sciences university and Provost Gerard O’Sullivan, made the decision to remove Dr. Melissa Trego, OD, who served as dean for the last eight years.
Faculty in the optometry college approved a vote of no confidence for Mr. Park and Mr. O'Sullivan following Dr. Trego's removal.
"Dr. Mittelman's decision to remove Dr. Melissa Trego, the current dean, who has been an outstanding leader for the past eight years, has created widespread concern and discontent among faculty, staff, students, and alumni," faculty wrote in a letter, noting that 55 of 62 eligible faculty voted in favor of the no-confidence measure, according to the report.
More than 360 students also approved a no-confidence vote in Salus leaders, they wrote in a letter to Drexel leadership.
In a statement, Salus said that Dr. Trego "stepped down." She was offered an opportunity to remain on the faculty, according to the report.
Salus claims it is making the leadership change following a decline in the academic performance of the optometry program, according to the report.
An interim dean is expected to be appointed in the coming days. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has already approved the merger between Salus and Drexel, but Salus will run independently until the U.S. Department of Education gives its approval, which is likely next summer.
Ms. Trego was told the Salus administration was concerned that students' first-time pass rates were falling below the national average over the past few years.
Faculty say it's unfair to blame the dean and assert that the school has continued to meet accreditation standards that require that 80% of students pass all three parts within six years of matriculation.