Dr. Brian May Resigns with Little Thanks

Angelo State University President Dr. Brian May submitted his resignation on Friday. This news is heartbreaking for many in the Angelo State family.  A press release stated:

The chairman of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents and I have accepted Brian’s resignation as president of Angelo State University,” said Dr. Tedd L. Mitchell, chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, in a prepared statement. "We wish Brian and his family well.”

The news stunned ASU employees and supporters.  Also shocking was the lack of appreciation for years of hard work Dr. May invested in the university, which had numerous achievements under his tenure as President.

Leading a university became more challenging with the coronavirus outbreak spanning the globe.  Dr. May has been concerned about student safety as many youth believe "it won't happen to me."

Unfortunately, a ASU student played a racist prank on an international student which escalated into violence.  The story spread beyond San Angelo.

Angelo State University has a strategic relationship with Sejong University in Seoul, South Korea.  I don't know their level of concern about the incident. but I would expect them to take it seriously.  Dr. May wanted all ASU students to treat one another with respect and dignity.

There is another reason to keep ties between ASU and Sejong University strong.  The United States has much to learn from South Korea's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The racist student prank turned violent may simply be a disturbing backdrop for Dr. May's resignation. 

Texas Tech's press release had far more information on the interim replacement than Dr. May.  Knowing what he's done for the university there is a significant lack of appreciation for his leadership and numerous contributions.  It's sad to see in these difficult times.

Update 7-13-21:  Some believe Dr. May was asked to resign after giving employees a 5% pay increase.  Texas Tech administrators viewed his action unfavorably after the COVID-19 pandemic began and revenue sources dried up.   San Angelo Live took an interest in this story, reporting findings from investigative reporter Wayne Dolcefino. 

Update 6-8-22:  Dr. May resigned in the midst of a sexual harassment investigation.  The Standard Times received documents from Texas Tech detailing the events that led up to his resignation.