Faculty Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 23, 2026

ODU Faculty Senate Responds to President Hemphill’s Contract Extension, Emphasizes Continued Concerns Over Shared Governance

NORFOLK, VA – The Old Dominion University Faculty Senate Executive Committee expresses deep disappointment in the Board of Visitors’ decision to extend President Brian O. Hemphill’s contract through 2032. Under the leadership of Rector Murry Pitts, this extension was granted at a time of organizational strain and a documented erosion of trust between the administration and the faculty responsible for the university’s core teaching and research mission.

The Faculty Senate views this action as a direct dismissal of faculty, students, and staff. Given the standing vote of no confidence in President Hemphill, the Faculty Senate maintains that the President has not earned an additional two-year extension. Extending the contract of a president who has lost the confidence of his faculty—without addressing the pedagogical and reputational risks identified overwhelmingly by faculty—represents a clear disregard for the future of the institution.

The Board’s decision is particularly egregious as it provides no explanation for the perceived urgency to extend a contract that already runs through 2030 - four years from now. Furthermore, the Board has chosen to double down on the current executive leadership without waiting for results of the Forward Focused Digital Transformation Initiative (FFDTI) that may negatively affect ODU’s academic identity.

A Clear Divide in Institutional Confidence

The Board’s decision to affirm “absolute” confidence in the President stands in stark contrast to the Faculty Senate’s formal Resolution of No Confidence, passed on March 10, 2026, with 85% of voting senators in support. This divergence underscores a fundamental disconnect between the administration and the faculty whose expertise sustains the university’s academic excellence.

The resolution followed months of unaddressed concerns regarding the FFDTI, including its one-size-fits-all mandate for eight-week asynchronous online instruction beginning Fall 2026. While faculty formally raised concerns about the FFDTI and its implementation as early as September 2025, they have been systematically excluded from shaping an initiative that directly alters curriculum, pedagogy, and overall academic quality.

Suppression of Shared Governance

At the heart of this matter is the suppression of shared governance, the principle that ensures collaboration among the Board, administration, and faculty. Established standards affirm that faculty hold primary responsibility for curriculum and methods of instruction, grounded in disciplinary expertise and professional responsibility.

“Decisions that shape teaching and learning cannot be effectively made through top-down mandates,” said Corrin Allen, Chair of the ODU Faculty Senate. “Leadership continuity has been prioritized over the health of the university’s academic core, and the expertise of those who sustain our academic excellence is being systematically ignored.”

“Faculty expertise is not optional input. It is essential to the university’s mission,” added Vice Chair Wie Yusuf. “The implementation of FFDTI without meaningful collaboration raises serious concerns about the quality of student learning and the direction of the institution.”

Unanswered National AAUP Inquiries

On January 13, 2026 the AAUP addressed a letter to President Hemphill, raising grave concerns about shared governance and academic freedom at ODU. To date, President Hemphill still has not responded. As noted in the follow-up letter from the AAUP, “When our Association formally conveys its concerns to an administration, the president usually provides a substantive response.” The lack of response represents a troubling lapse in leadership and accountability, and a departure from the university’s longstanding commitment to AAUP principles.

Commitment to the Academic Mission

The Faculty Senate remains committed to upholding academic freedom, shared governance, and the quality of ODU’s academic programs. Faculty stand ready to work collaboratively in the best interest of students and the institution, but meaningful partnership requires transparency, respect, and trust in faculty expertise.

About the ODU Faculty Senate

The ODU Faculty Senate serves as the representative body of the faculty and the primary partner for shared governance between the instructional and research staff and the university administration. The Senate is responsible for formulating and recommending policies regarding academic matters, faculty welfare, and the university’s strategic direction.

Guided by the principles of academic freedom and professional responsibility, the Senate ensures that the collective expertise of the faculty remains central to ODU’s mission of excellence in teaching, research, and public service. The Faculty Senate Executive Committee acts on behalf of the broader body to coordinate with university leadership and advocate for the integrity of the institution's academic programs.

See the Faculty Senate Website Here.

Disclaimer: This press release represents the perspective of the ODU Faculty Senate

Executive Committee and does not necessarily represent the opinion of the administration or the Board of Visitors of the University.

For further information or spokespersons for the Executive Committee of the Faculty

Senate please contact: Corrin Allen, ODU Faculty Senate Chair, cgillis@odu.edu