King's University President Exits New Contract After Only Weeks

Major shake-ups are happening at King's University College in London, ON. Dr. David Malloy, who just began his second term as President, is unexpectedly leaving his position only weeks into his new five-year contract. 😲 The details of his sudden departure remain undisclosed, leaving both faculty and students in suspense.

Dr. Malloy, who has been with the Western University affiliate since 2019, announced his exit through an email sent by Nonie Brennan, Chair of the Board of Directors. Brennan's email, however, did not shed light on the reasons behind Malloy’s abrupt decision.

Stepping into the role as Interim President is Robert Ventresca, who serves as the Vice-President at King's. Ventresca will be leading the college as it navigates this unexpected change at the helm.

Malloy, an ethics researcher with numerous publications, earned a whopping $308,000 a year. Having started his academic journey at Western University and later achieving a PhD from the University of Ottawa, Malloy's résumé boasts a 30-year stint at the University of Regina before he took on his role at King’s.

During his tenure, Malloy focused on growth and inclusivity. Notably, he helped establish departments focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, and even authored the appointment of an Indigenous initiatives advisor. King’s also took the bold step of flying the Pride flag for the first time under his leadership, although it faced some resistance from the local Catholic diocese. The college also created a support group for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Malloy's sudden departure comes as a surprise given his recent commitment to a new five-year contract, which commenced on July 1, 2024. The decision to extend his contract a year ago involved extensive community consultation and annual reviews. Clearly, his departure is not just a simple administrative hiccup—it's a complex situation that has many waiting for answers.

King's has a rich history as a progressive institution and Malloy’s initiatives reflected that. The college, which began as an all-male institution, now boasts a diverse student body of about 3,500 students of all genders. It stands as an example of how educational institutions can evolve over time to become more inclusive and supportive of all.

What's next for King’s University College? With Ventresca stepping in as acting president, the institution will likely undergo another phase of transition. How this impacts the students, staff, and the ongoing programs under Malloy’s initiatives remains to be seen. 🤔

For now, the King's community will be holding its breath, waiting eagerly for updates and the direction Ventresca will take during his interim period. One thing is for sure: these are interesting times for King's University College.