Two regents of Baylor University announced they will no longer serve on the board.
According to a Baylor University spokeswoman Lori Fogleman, Dr. Christopher Howard and Kathy Wills Wright notified the board they would step down from the volunteer positions in July due to new commitments in their professional life.
Dr. Howard has been the president of Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania since February and will serve on the Board of Regents until October 1.
Wills Wright accepted a position at U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office, which prevented her from serving on the board, according to Fogleman.
Their resignation comes after the findings of an external review about how the university handled sexual assault cases was released in the spring. The Pepper Hamilton findings revealed the university failed to prioritize Title IX implementation and support for complainants of sexual assault through interim measures was inconsistent.
After the results of the investigation, Ken Starr's title as president was removed and Dr. David Garland was named the interim University President. Starr resigned from his tenure position at Baylor University before the school year started. Art Briles was suspended with the intent to be fired and Athletic Director Ian McCaw was placed on probation and later resigned.
Fogleman said the decision of Dr. Howard and Wills Wright to step down is not related to the sexual assault scandal. She added that both of them served faithfully and admirably.
According to Baylor, there is no immediate timetable on filling those positions. With the two vacancies, there are 37 members of the Board of Regents.
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