ANN ARBOR, MI – The University of Michigan Board of Regents on Saturday, Jan. 15 announced it was removing Dr. Mark Schlissel as president after investigating an inappropriate relationship he had with a university employee.
On Dec. 8, 2021, the board received an anonymous complaint that Schlissel was involved in an alleged sexual affair with a university employee, according to a termination letter.
“After an investigation, we learned that Dr. Schlissel, over a period of years, used his University email account to communicate with that subordinate in a manner inconsistent with the dignity and reputation of the University,” the board said in a press release.
The Board of Regents acknowledged the decision was “unexpected” and “abrupt” but was in the best interest of the university.
Schlissel was removed from office effective immediately.
Former University of Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman will serve as interim president.
Dozens of emails released by the university show Schlissel sent flirtatious messages, ordered food, discussed travel plans and sent face masks to the employee.
In one email sent in 2019, Schlissel sent a PDF copy of a New Yorker article entitled “Sexual fantasies of everyday New Yorkers.”
In two separate emails, one on April 25, 2020 and another on Jan. 9, 2021, the employee wrote “Oh yes” to which Schlissel replied “Love it when you say that” and “I like it when you say that.”
Demonstrating an inappropriate tone and language, the board wrote, Schlissel was also rebuked for using University of Michigan business to “carry out a personal relationship” with an employee.
Related: University of Michigan to overhaul how it handles sexual misconduct cases
Schlissel was at the helm as the University of Michigan was working to overhaul its sexual misconduct policies after former athletes came forward to say Dr. Robert Anderson sexually abused them and former provost Martin Philbert was fired for sexually harassing university employees and having sexual relationships with subordinates.
The board said Schlissel’s behavior is “particularly egregious” because of his declared commitment to address sexual misconduct on campus.
“Accordingly, there can be no question that you were acutely aware that any inappropriate conduct or communication between you and a subordinate would cause substantial harm to the dignity and reputation of the University of Michigan,” the board wrote in the termination letter.
Schlissel, who is married to his college sweetheart Monica Shwebs, has served as the university’s president since 2014. They have four children together.
Who is Mark Schlissel? Learn more about University of Michigan’s 14th president
The Board of Regents started a search for a new president last year when Schlissel announced plans to retire in 2023.
Coleman, formerly president for 12 years, will serve in an interim role until at least this summer.
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