Schools

Former Framingham State President Resigns from Illinois State University Post

Former Framingham State University President Timothy Flanagan is accused of assaulting and yelling at the Illinois State University's former superintendent of grounds in December 2013.

Former Framingham State University President Timothy Flanagan resigned today, March 22 from the $350,000-a-year Illinois State University President position, after just seven months in the job.

Authorities are investigating a claim that Flanagan hit a former Illinois State University employee during an argument, reported WLS-TV in Chicago and the Associated Press.

Flanagan stepped down during a special Board of Trustees meeting on Saturday, March 22. The resignation took effect immediately. 

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"I appreciate the experience of working with the students, faculty, staff and alumni of Illinois State, but, after discussion with the board, I have decided it would be best that I pursue other opportunities," Flanagan said in brief remarks included in the university statement.

Former superintendent of grounds R. Patrick Murphy claims Flanagan assaulted and yelled at him on Dec. 5, 2013 outside the Unversity President's campus home, according to a police report.

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In his statement to police, Murphy said Flanagan's saliva hit him in the face, neck and clothing. At one point, Flanagan's arms struck Murphy's torso.

Murphy told police he was supervising a crew working on the lawn when Flanagan ran out of the house and complained about the work.

Illinois State University Vice President for Student Affairs Larry Dietz was named the University's 19th president, according to a university statement.


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