MONTGOMERY Ala.
The state school board voted Thursday to accept the retirement of Bishop State Community College President Yvonne Kennedy and Shelton State President Rick Rogers, despite calls for their firing over financial scandals on their campuses.
Under the vote, Kennedy’s retirement will be effective July 31 and Rogers’ will be effective Sept. 30.
Some school board members said they were concerned about sending the wrong message by not terminating the presidents. Rogers will receive a greater retirement pension by remaining through September.
“I do think that this sets a poor precedent,” board member Stephanie Bell of Montgomery said.
System Chancellor Bradley Bryne said he understood those concerns but felt accepting the retirment plans was in the best interest of the system.
Kennedy, a Democratic state representative from Mobile, has served as president of Bishop State Community College in Mobile since 1981. Rogers, who was placed on administrative leave in November, has been president at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa since 2000.
