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Western Michigan University official resigns after accusations of sexual harassment

Tim Terrentine, former vice president for development and alumni relations, resigned after an investigation into the alleged harassment.
Tim Terrentine in 2014.(Photo: Provided)

A Western Michigan University administrator has resigned after being accused of sexual harassment.

Tim Terrentine, former vice president for development and alumni relations, resigned on July 9 after an investigation into the alleged harassment, according to a letter in his personnel file from Tammy Miller, WMU's associate director of the Office of Institutional Equity.

"Having reviewed all the evidence and using the preponderance of the evidence standard, the University has concluded that there is sufficient evidence to support a finding of responsible for Sexual Harassment, as defined in the University Sexual Misconduct policy," Miller stated in the June 29 letter.

Terrentine could not be reached for comment Friday.

Miller also reminded Terrentine that the university strongly prohibits retaliation. Terrentine began his $275,000-a-year job with the university on Aug. 22, 2016. He was making $286,110 a year when he resigned.

The university agreed to pay Terrentine a lump sum of $71,528 within seven days of his resignation. He will have health benefits until Oct. 1. Terrentine also agreed to not seek or apply in the future for employment "at, or with, the University."

"While I can’t comment further on this specific personnel matter, I can speak generally to our culture at WMU: A safe and supportive culture is of paramount importance at WMU," WMU spokeswoman Paula Davis said Friday. "Sexual harassment is not tolerated here. Protecting the privacy of those who come forward is crucial to ensuring that people continue to feel safe coming forward and that those who do avoid any negative repercussions."

Terrentine received a bachelor's degree in family studies in education from WMU in 2004 and earned a master's degree from WMU's School of Communication in 2006.

As vice president for development and alumni relations, he was responsible for leading, planning, directing and managing "the creation and delivery of programs and personnel, financial, and operational activities to increase philanthropic support and secure alumni commitment and development."

He also served as executive director of the WMU Foundation.

"Tim Terrentine is an executive with enormous talent for making connections and matching talented people with the resources they need," former WMU President John Dunn said after the university announced his hiring in July 2016. "Those talents, combined with his strong Bronco ties and his extensive background in area professional, civic and charitable organizations, make him a wonderful choice for this position."

Terrentine helped to find Dunn's successor, serving on a 22-member presidential search advisory committee. WMU hired President Edward Montgomery in April 2017.

The university launched a national for Terrentine's replacement earlier this month. Renee Pearl, director of engagement, is serving as the interim vice president during the search.

"We will seek a proven development professional with a gift for transformational leadership, fundraising and alumni engagement," Montgomery said in a university press release.

Contact Battle Creek Enquirer reporter Noe Hernandez at 269-966-0684 or nhernandez@battlecreekenquirer.com.

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