By Kyeland Jackson —

James Ramsey had a rough summer. Following a year of scandals and accusations, the embattled University of Louisville president’s budget proposal was shot down, the board of trustees abolished and his position as U of L’s president ended.

What happened? The Cardinal looks at Ramsey’s summer and how things devolved, ending with the former president’s resignation.

Ramsey’s summer started with a bang, as he and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced the Confederate statue would move. The 70 foot obelisk drew controversy from its inception, with both students and faculty calling for its removal. Pan-African studies Chair Ricky Jones, a vocal advocate of the statue’s removal, approved of Ramsey’s action.

“As long as it (the statue) goes, I’m happy,” Jones said after the announcement.

The statues’ relocation is ongoing, as protesters say the move is “erasing history.”

President James Ramsey & Confederate Statue

U of L President James Ramsey talks to the crowd.

Ramsey’s good fortune continued as faculty members voted in confidence weeks later. Until that point, Ramsey’s future was uncertain after a vote of no-confidence was called by then-board of trustees members. The faculty senate vote bolstered his odds, tipping the scales. Though a tax return revealed substantial compensation from the University of Louisville Foundation, U of L’s endowment manager, things were looking steady for the president.

Then came the hammer.

Governor Matt Bevin shocked Kentucky on June 17, abolishing the board of trustees and announcing Ramsey would offer his resignation. Though some questioned Ramsey’s sincerity, he shattered suspicions in a statement.

“I have no desire, and do not intend, to be president of the University of Louisville beyond the next academic year,” the statement said.

The announcements came weeks after trustees refused Ramsey’s proposed budget, which raised tuition rates by five percent. Bevin’s new board was scrutinized, revealing three members with business ties to the foundation and a chair who serves as the foundation chair as well.

Bevin's new board

With his intentions announced, it became a countdown to when the president leaves.

Board of trustees chair Junior Bridgeman made an offer for the president and trustees in a board meeting. Under the conditions, Ramsey would be interim president until July 2017, receiving the same pay and compensations he did as president. He would remain interim president until a successor was named or the board removed him.

The board had other plans, paying Ramsey $690,000 for him to resign immediately.

His tenure’s abrupt halt was accented by a Facebook post Ramsey made earlier that day, alluding to his term’s end.

“Many thanks to Dr. Glenn Gittings for inviting me tonight to teach my last class,” Ramsey said in the post.

James Ramsey teaching last class

Just like that, the embattled president for the University of Louisville was gone. Interim provost Neville Pinto was named acting president and the search for a permanent replacement is underway.

Under Ramsey’s 14-year tenure the school garnered a bevy of controversies. Administrators stole hundreds of thousands from the university, an executive director embezzled millions, the basketball team was accused of paying strippers to have sex with recruits and the FBI is investigating two university officials.

Ramsey was directly involved in more controversy, as his millions in compensation were revealed, stereotypical Mexican garb he wore sparked public outcries, accusation of misconduct prompted a lawsuit and a postseason ban was imposed on the men’s basketball team.

However, the university has blossomed during Ramsey’s presidency.

U of L joined the Atlantic Coast Conference, was recognized as the top producer in Fulbright scholars, began moving the controversial confederate statue, created the Cardinal Covenant program, increased average ACT scores and almost doubled the six-year graduation rates.

Ramsey’s role as U of L’s president is over, but the embattled former president still plans to play a vital role with the university.

A day after his resignation was accepted, Ramsey said he’d like to remain president of the foundation board. The endowment manager’s president does not need to be president of the university, giving Ramsey the option to remain there. Foundation member Salem George backed Ramsey with a prepared statement during a June 23 meeting.

“Jim needs to stay on as president of the foundation,” George said. “I’ve seen unbelievable accomplishments on this campus. No one can walk in his shoes.”

Foundation members must vote whether Ramsey remains in the position or not. But with annual meetings normally scheduled for September and reports of an office being built for him, Ramsey’s year may not be over yet.