ASHLAND — Ashland University trustees, after reviewing a law firm’s report on the university’s hiring practices and substance abuse policies, affirmed their support for president Carlos Campo, but cited a “clear lapse of judgement” on Campo’s part.
The board of trustees hired Barnes & Thornburg in January to conduct “a thorough and independent review” after Carlos Campo’s son Brandon, who was also a university employee, pleaded guilty to drug possession and endangering children.
During the sentencing hearing, Ashland Municipal Court Judge John Good said Brandon Campo purchased illegal drugs from a university student. The judge also detailed Brandon Campo’s extensive criminal record and questioned the university’s judgement in hiring Brandon Campo.
In a letter sent to the university community Thursday, trustees said Barnes & Thornburg “found no evidence that President Campo attempted to influence the hiring of his son into an entry-level position in the admissions office. Further, the report found that no university policies had been violated in the hiring process.”
The letter went on to say the board has taken action to strengthen the university’s nepotism policy, approving a stricter policy that prohibits hiring of anyone in the direct line of oversight of a family member without the prior approval of the executive committee of the board of trustees.
The board concluded Carlos Campo’s actions in dealing with his son’s employment at the university constituted a clear lapse of judgement, according to the letter.
“President Campo should have recognized the potential risk in this situation and should not have allowed the university to hire his son,” the letter states. “The board expressed their concerns in meetings with the president, and the president has expressed his deep regret for his actions.”
Despite the lapse, trustees said they weighed the facts and circumstances surrounding the facts, as well as Carlos Campo’s past performance, and affirmed its support for the president.
“The trustees recognize that President Campo has, during his three-year tenure, encouraged a culture of academic excellence and student success, while leading the university from a period of serious financial stress to a more secure financial position, and through a crucial reaccreditation process,” the letter states.
Trustees also noted Campo received a very favorable personnel evaluation by the Association of Governing Boards in fall 2018.
“At a time when many universities are struggling, under President Campo’s leadership, Ashland University is in a stronger position today than when he arrived,” trustees wrote in the letter.
