Dupage Policy Journal

Robert Breuder’s six-year tenure as president of the College of DuPage (COD) ended after its Board of Trustees voted on Tuesday to terminate his employment.

His termination was the result of the college finding evidence of misconduct and mismanagement, which Breuder participated in, oversaw or failed to prevent, the board said.

Joseph Collins, who has been interim acting president since April, will continue in that role while the board conducts a national search for a permanent president.

“This somber moment for the College of DuPage follows extensive investigation and careful consideration, but it also signals a new beginning by officially ending the fraud, waste and abuse of the Breuder era and enabling COD to fully embark down a new path toward a better tomorrow,” Katharine Hamilton, the board's chairwoman, said.

The board vote to terminate Breuder’s employment contract followed an executive session by the trustees. Two months ago, the board authorized termination proceedings to begin after receiving the results of an outside counsel’s internal investigation.

“Change is not easy, but we are well on our way to transforming the culture at COD to ensure that the academic priorities of students and faculty come first and we continue to deliver world-class adult education that allows our students to compete globally in the 21st Century,” Hamilton said.