Lexington, Kentucky, September 6, 2025
News Summary
Professor DeShana Collett has resigned from her position as chair of the University Senate at the University of Kentucky following tensions over governance changes. The dissolution of the Senate, led by President Eli Capilouto, has sparked faculty backlash against administrative decisions that prioritize athletics over academics. Collett’s departure arises amid concerns of retaliation and a contentious separation agreement worth $375,000, further highlighting the rift between faculty and administration at the university.
Lexington, Kentucky – Professor DeShana Collett, who served as the chair of the University Senate at the University of Kentucky (UK), has left her position following the controversial dissolution of the Senate and ongoing conflicts with university administrators. This significant development comes amid an escalating tension over university governance and alleged retaliation faced by faculty members.
In early 2024, UK’s administrators, led by President Eli Capilouto, dissolved the University Senate, a governing council critical to academic decision-making for the past fifty years. This decision was made in response to faculty pushback against administrative changes that many believed would transform UK into a “professional sports franchise” alongside its medical school, raising concerns about the university becoming an “open enrollment widget-making factory.” Faculty members expressed their discontent regarding rising administrative salaries and questioned the university’s shifting focus on athletics over academics.
Following the disbandment, the University Senate held a vote of no confidence against President Capilouto, using polling software that belonged to the Senate. In the wake of this vote, Collett received a threatening email from a vice-provost, indicating that failure to disclose individual voting records could lead to a criminal investigation. Collett described her fear of potential retaliation due to her opposition to the restructuring efforts initiated by the administration.
In late June, following heightened tensions, Collett reached a separation agreement with UK, totaling $375,000. This agreement mandated her not to file open records requests pertaining to her case. While the university portrayed this settlement as standard practice, Collett’s attorney pointed out that the nondisclosure requirement was atypical. Previously, Collett and her attorney had submitted open records requests related to her situation, which the university denied based on various claims of privilege.
The Kentucky Attorney General directed UK to release specific emails regarding Collett, but the separation agreement was finalized before full disclosure of these records. Furthermore, the agreement included a provision preventing Collett from assisting others with open records requests, intensifying concerns among faculty about the potential for retaliation for those opposing administrative actions.
The University Senate’s dissolution has given rise to a newly formed Faculty Senate, which, unlike its predecessor, will function solely as an advisory body made up of only faculty members. Despite allegations regarding plans to access individual voting records from the no-confidence vote, UK administration denied any such intentions. This ongoing dispute highlights significant fractures in the relationship between faculty and administration at the University of Kentucky amid the changes in governance instigated by university leadership.
Background Context
The University Senate, which operated for fifty years, played a crucial role in representing faculty interests and participating in the decision-making process of the university. The recent governance changes, including the formation of an advisory Faculty Senate, mark a notable shift in how academic decisions at UK will be made in the future. Faculty members have voiced concerns not only about the administration’s focus but also about its handling of dissent and the potential ramifications for those who challenge the university’s direction.
Conclusion
The departure of Professor Collett amidst these governance changes serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles within the academic community at the University of Kentucky. Faculty and administration relations remain strained as stakeholders navigate the implications of recent administrative actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for Professor DeShana Collett’s departure from UK?
What changes occurred at the University of Kentucky regarding governance?
What were the faculty’s main concerns regarding the administration’s decisions?
What implications does the separation agreement have for Professor Collett?
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Leadership Changes and Community Initiatives in Kentucky
One Arrested Following Assault in Lexington
University of Kentucky Launches BBNIL Suite for Student-Athletes
London City Council Addresses Misconduct Charges Against Mayor
DeShana Collett Leaves University of Kentucky Amid Governance Changes
DeShana Collett Departs University of Kentucky Amid Governance Disputes
Fayette County, KY Struggles with $16 Million Budget Deficit
Lexington Officials Commit to Keeping Rainbow Crosswalk
Lexington Faces Growing Homelessness Crisis and Calls for Action
Lexington Council Votes to Ban Large-Scale Solar Farms on Farmland
Additional Resources
- Kentucky Lantern: Former Faculty Leader Leaves University of Kentucky
- Kentucky.com: Opinion on University Governance Changes
- Chronicle of Higher Education: No-Confidence Vote at University of Kentucky
- Wikipedia: University of Kentucky
- Google Search: University Governance Issues
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
