Disgraced former DSU president resurfaces

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Dr. Richard McCallum

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After being fired from his position as Dickinson State University president last year, Richard McCallum surfaced recently as a candidate for another collegiate president position.

Although he was not selected to the post, McCallum’s name was on a list of candidates who were considered for the position of interim president at Florida State College in Jacksonville, according to information released by the institution.

Former Florida College System Chancellor Willis Holcombe accepted an offer for the interim president post by the FSCJ Board of Trustees late Thursday night, according to the Florida Times-Union. McCallum was one of 14 candidates considered by the FSCJ board.

When contacted by The Dickinson Press on Friday at a number listed as belonging to the former DSU president, an individual who identified himself as McCallum declined comment. Since being ousted after news broke of an enrollment scandal at DSU in 2011, McCallum has been silent about his firing and plans.

In a statement released by the school, the college’s provost and acting President Judith Bilsky called the list of candidates for the FSCJ interim president position “well-qualified.” FSCJ spokesperson Michael Corby said the college used the services of a search consultant, North Carolina-based Jeff Hockaday, while looking for a new president.

When reached by email, North Dakota University System spokesperson Linda Donlin stated “the matter between the State Board of Higher Education and Dr. McCallum is complete” and said the NDUS had “no further comment.”

In information provided to FSCJ, McCallum listed his address as being in Lincoln, Neb. McCallum’s former attorney, Ben Thomas of Fargo, said he no longer represents the former DSU president.

McCallum requested a hearing before an administrative law judge — which took place last December — following his termination by the State Board of Higher Education. Nearly a year ago to the day, McCallum was officially let go in the wake of the scandal after Judge Bonny Fetch ruled that the board had just cause to terminate him.

Following evidence procured by state auditors that DSU officials had artificially inflated enrollment numbers, the school was put “on notice” by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Although DSU is still accredited with the Higher Learning Commission, an arm of the NCA, the probation period could be followed by the stripping of that accreditation.

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