A university board’s decision to release one of its cabinet members is drawing criticism as the university seeks to attract applicants for the job of chief executive.

Joe Cornelison, Northwest’s chief of staff and general counsel since 2005, was given 60-days notice following a closed session meeting Wednesday. Northwest’s president, Dr. Dean Hubbard, was not informed prior to the decision.

Mr. Cornelison, who said he wasn’t given a reason for his dismissal, questioned the board’s move to exclude the chief executive officer from the decision-making process.

“The bylaws designate (the president — Dr. Hubbard) as the CEO and describe (the board’s) role as that of approving hiring and firings,” he said, “not taking the executive action themselves.”

The firing comes at a crucial time as the university seeks a replacement for the retiring Dr. Hubbard, who leaves in July.

The action brought criticism from Northwest alumnus Dr. Bob Bush, who worked for the university for 34 years and is known for his leadership in the university’s biomass/alternative fuels initiative.

In a letter to the News-Press addressing the eight voting members of the board of regents, Dr. Bush outlined the credentials of Mr. Cornelison, a retired Army colonel who graduated in the top 10 percent of his class at West Point, earned a law degree from Georgetown University, was appointed deputy administrator of the Panama Canal Zone by President Bill Clinton, and was a member of the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Dr. Bush said the board’s action last week, which he referred to as micromanagement, was an “inflammatory act” that holds “serious and lasting consequences for the university and the state of Missouri.”

Dr. Hubbard said he had no idea the closed session would include discussion about ending Mr. Cornelison’s employment with Northwest. He said he doesn’t know why they came to the decision, but, mentioning Mr. Cornelison’s career path, he couldn’t imagine any performance issues.

“There has never been any questions about Joe’s professionalism or his legal expertise,” Dr. Hubbard said, adding that in his 48 years in education, he’s never seen anything like this.

Dr. Hubbard said he’s received four phone calls from candidates for his job who are concerned about the board.

“It couldn’t happen at a worse time,” Dr. Hubbard said, adding that the decision could put off potential qualified candidates.

Dr. Hubbard added that his advice to the candidates who called him was to go through the interview process and address the board with any concerns they might have.

Bill Loch, president of the board of regents and chairman of the presidential search committee, initially declined comment but said later via e-mail to the News-Press that it is against policy to discuss personnel issues. He also had no response to Dr. Bush’s criticism, other than to say he’s entitled to it. In regard to the search for a new president, Mr. Loch said the search firm has been notified of “this new development regarding the university and will inform all candidates on a personal basis.”

According to minutes from the closed session, five regents voted in favor of releasing Mr. Cornelison and two voted against. Those voting in favor were Bill Loch, Gary Panethiere, Doug Wyckoff, Rachelle Brown and Lydia Hurst. Voting against the action were Doug Sutton and Rita Hanks. Regent Don Schneider wasn’t present.

Mr. Cornelison said he intends to fight the board’s decision.

“I’m fighting it not only because of what it means for me personally and professionally,” Mr. Cornelison said, “but because I am concerned about what it means for the university.”

Jimmy Myers can be reached

at jimmym@npgco.com