Bradley’s faculty senate approves ‘no confidence’ resolution against president, provost

PEORIA (25News Now) - Frustrated over proposed program and staffing reductions, Bradley University’s Faculty Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution expressing “no confidence” in President Stephen Standifird and Provost Walter Zakahi, who is also senior vice president for Academic Affairs.

In a statement, Standifird said he’s disappointed by the vote, understands the discontent, but offered no indication whether he would resign from the job he’s held since May of 2020.

A source tells 25News a super-majority of the senate approved the resolution.

The action comes amid heated debate about the administration’s plans to make $13 million in cuts and comes two days after students and some faculty members staged a campus protest.

A final decision on that is expected by Dec. 6.

President Standifird released the following statement early Thursday evening:

“I recognize the discontent among some members of the faculty, and I am not dismissive of the sentiments expressed in the vote. While the results are disappointing, I will continue to work toward a successful and sustainable future for the university. I believe our collective efforts as a university community and our shared commitment to Bradley and our students will endure.”

Provost Zakahi will not be issuing a statement Thursday night, a university spokesperson said.

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