[VIDEO] LMC Board Votes to Terminate President Spielvogel

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The Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees has found just cause to terminate the employment of President Dr. Jennifer Spielvogel.

A hearing was held Thursday at which Spielvogel and board members each got to present their sides of the story. Spielvogel was suspended last month with the board alleging she had misused college money and created a hostile work environment during her less than five months on the job. Spielvogel said she was never given a chance to make her case.

“It is clear that the board has not had the same respect for me, nor the desire to support my success,” Spielvogel said.

Last month, the board of trustees released a long list of complaints about Spielvogel, which included her planning to spend college money on a formal inauguration, as well as a chain of office medallion. Former LMC President Dr. Bob Harrison spoke at the hearing, saying he advised Spielvogel against these decisions.

“I told her that she needed to think the following phrase when authorizing purchases that solely benefit her or the office of president: Why should the students or the taxpayers pay for this?” Harrison said.

Spielvogel also alleged the college was pushing her out to cover up federal regulation violations in the financial aid department, which Board President Mary Jo Tomasini said she knew nothing about. The board then voted to terminate Spielvogel and also to begin seeking reimbursement for more than $20,000 in “unauthorized and unapproved expenses.”

The board will meet May 16 to determine its next steps.