FSU Bobcats for Integrity and Transparency

01/31/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FSU Bobcats for Integrity and Transparency Mourns the Passing of Former President Ronald Nowaczyk

Frostburg, MD – January 31, 2025 – The FSU Bobcats for Integrity and Transparency are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former President Ronald Nowaczyk. Dr. Nowaczyk passed away this morning after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dr. Nowaczyk served as the President of Frostburg State University for nine years.

The FSU Bobcats for Integrity and Transparency extend their heartfelt condolences to Dr. Nowaczyk's wife, Maureen, their son, Jake, and all of his family and friends during this difficult time.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: [email protected]

01/22/2025

This email was sent today at 2:01 PM Eastern by University System of Maryland Chancellor Dr. Jay A. Perman:

Office of the Chancellor

January 22, 2025

To the Frostburg State Community:

Last week, I wrote to you after Dr. Nowaczyk announced that he’ll be stepping down from the FSU presidency on January 31. Our thoughts remain with Ron as he focuses on his health. I mentioned in that letter that I’d be back in touch to announce an interim president and a leadership transition plan.

Today, I’m pleased to share that Dr. Darlene Brannigan Smith has accepted the interim presidency of Frostburg State as the University System plans a national search for a permanent leader.

I’m confident that Dr. Smith’s proven skill in curriculum development, strategic planning, financial management, organizational effectiveness, philanthropy, and community engagement will serve FSU well. Her expansive academic and professional expertise in Business, Finance, and Marketing is, without question, an additional asset—as is her strong global perspective.

Dr. Smith is a graduate of Harvard’s Institute for Management and Leadership in Higher Education, Leadership Maryland, and the leadership program of the Greater Baltimore Committee. She’s been named three times to The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women in Maryland, and—through her work, advocacy, and service—has had an enormous impact on the academy and the region.

Dr. Smith had a long career at the University of Baltimore—for four years as executive vice president and provost and, before that, as dean of UBalt’s highly ranked Merrick School of Business. In these roles, Dr. Smith structured departments and degree programs to exploit key university strengths, optimize efficiency, and meet coming opportunities. She significantly grew research resources for faculty—and, as a result, saw a five-year, 120% jump in extramural funding. Under her leadership, fundraising for the Merrick School exceeded campaign goals, and by focusing efforts on proactive and sustained engagement, she substantially grew board and alumni giving.

Her priorities around learner success shaped programs that better serve transfer and working adult students, improve persistence among first-year students, and tighten connections between classroom and career, opening up to UBalt learners the city’s network of influential companies, firms, and professionals.
Dr. Smith spearheaded the University of Baltimore’s five-year strategic planning process, engaging faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners in a plan to position UBalt as the region’s premier professional, career-focused university, and to assure the long-term financial stability essential to doing just that. She led the Merrick School through two successful maintenance of accreditation reviews with AACSB, the world’s gold standard for business school accreditation.

Given this record of achievement, it should be little wonder that, when the University System needed help, I turned to Dr. Smith. She served as interim associate vice chancellor for academic programs and, later, as special assistant to the senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. In these roles, she worked with all 12 of our universities and our three regional centers to develop and review academic programs and to guide comprehensive academic planning. In addition, she took over a longstanding effort across Maryland higher education to smooth transfer pathways for students aspiring to a four-year degree and thereby shorten the time they spend in earning one.

During Dr. Smith’s time at the System Office, I got to see first-hand the leadership qualities that drove UBalt’s success. I saw someone with the scholarly background, the professional experience, and the enviable reputation in U.S. higher education to build on FSU’s many assets and restore the university to financial health.

Dr. Smith will start in the role on March 10. Until that time, Chief of Staff Al Delia will serve as interim president, and I thank him for his long and dedicated service to FSU. This summer, the University System will launch a nationwide search for a permanent leader, and we expect to have that leader seated by summer 2026.

I thank all of you for caring so deeply about Frostburg State, for believing in your own excellence, your own resilience, and your enduring capacity to strengthen the System, the region, and the state. I know you believe, as I do, that Frostburg’s best days are ahead.

Sincerely,
Jay A. Perman
Chancellor

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01/15/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nowaczyk Resigns, but the Damage is Done: FSU Community Demands Accountability and Change

Frostburg, MD – January 15, 2025 – In a move that comes too late to undo the damage he has inflicted on Frostburg State University, President Ronald Nowaczyk has announced his resignation effective January 31, 2025. While his departure is a necessary first step, it does not absolve him of responsibility for the years of financial mismanagement, toxic leadership, and devastating cuts that have plagued the university during his tenure.

Nowaczyk's legacy at FSU will be one of corruption and toxicity. His administration has been marked by:

- Years of severe financial mismanagement: Leading to the current budget crisis and the devastating layoffs that have demoralized the faculty and staff.

- A toxic and hostile work environment: Where dissent was stifled, and fear and uncertainty were the norm.

- A disregard for the well-being of faculty, staff, and students: As evidenced by the callous timing of the recent layoffs and the overall lack of transparency and compassion.

While Nowaczyk may be stepping down, the challenges facing FSU remain. The university still requires a thorough and independent investigation into the financial crisis, and a comprehensive plan to address the long-term needs of the institution and its community.

Therefore, we reiterate our demands:

- The resignation or removal of Mr. Al Delia as Chief of Staff of Frostburg State University for lack of qualifications, financial mismanagement, and fostering a toxic work environment.

- An independent, third-party audit and review to investigate the financial deficit at Frostburg State University and ways to mitigate it.

- That no retrenchment or program cuts take place until after the audit and review have been completed.

We will continue to fight for the betterment of Frostburg State University. We will not allow the legacy of Nowaczyk's failed leadership to define the future of this institution. We will work tirelessly to rebuild trust, restore morale, and ensure that FSU can once again thrive as a vibrant and supportive community for students, faculty, and staff.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: [email protected]

12/24/2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FSU Bobcats for Integrity and Transparency Denounce President Nowaczyk's Devastating Layoffs

Frostburg, MD – December 23, 2024 – In a callous and deeply disturbing move, Frostburg State University President Dr. Ronald Nowaczyk has announced the layoff of faculty members just weeks before the Christmas holiday. This heartless decision, made amidst a climate of fear and uncertainty, has sent shockwaves through the entire campus community.

President Nowaczyk's actions demonstrate a complete disregard for the well-being of his employees and a profound failure of leadership. The announcement of these layoffs during the holiday season is a cruel and calculated move designed to minimize public outcry and stifle dissent.

This drastic measure, taken under the guise of "financial necessity," is a direct result of years of severe financial and administrative mismanagement by President Nowaczyk and his administration, including Al Delia, Chief of Staff and Acting President.

Furthermore, President Nowaczyk's announcement was intentionally vague and confusing, likely an attempt to obfuscate the true extent of the layoffs and silence dissent from concerned parties. This deliberate obfuscation makes it difficult for faculty, staff, students, and the public to fully understand the implications of these devastating decisions and to effectively advocate for themselves and the university.

We, the FSU Bobcats for Integrity and Transparency, vehemently denounce these actions and demand the following:

- The immediate resignation or removal of Dr. Ronald Nowaczyk as President of Frostburg State University. His leadership has proven to be detrimental to the university, its employees, and its students.

- The resignation or removal of Mr. Al Delia as Chief of Staff and Acting President. Mr. Delia's lack of qualifications, involvement in financial mismanagement, and contribution to a toxic work environment render him unfit for any leadership position.

- An independent, third-party audit and review to investigate the financial deficit at Frostburg State University. This investigation must examine the root causes of the financial crisis and explore alternative solutions that do not involve devastating job cuts.

- A moratorium on all retrenchment and program cuts until the completion of the audit and review.

We will not stand idly by while President Nowaczyk and his administration dismantle the university we love. We will fight for our jobs, for our students, and for the future of Frostburg State University.

We urge concerned citizens, alumni, and members of the community to join us in this fight. We have drafted a letter that can be sent to politicians, media outlets, the University System of Maryland's Board of Regents, and other relevant parties. This letter outlines our concerns and demands.

We will not be silenced. We will not be broken. We are the FSU Bobcats for Integrity and Transparency, and we will fight for Frostburg State University.

12/19/2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FSU Bobcats for Integrity and Transparency Express Deep Concern Regarding Leadership Vacuum and Financial Instability

Frostburg, MD – December 18, 2024 – The FSU Bobcats for Integrity and Transparency, an organization dedicated to advocating for the well-being of Frostburg State University, expresses deep concern regarding the current state of university leadership and the looming financial instability.

Recent events have raised serious questions about the university's governance. The absence of President Ronald Nowaczyk from campus, including his non-attendance at recent graduation ceremonies, has created a leadership vacuum that undermines the university's stability. While Acting President Al Delia has assumed a leadership role, it is crucial to note that he has not been formally appointed Acting President. Furthermore, the University System of Maryland's Council of University System Faculty has publicly expressed concerns regarding Mr. Delia's lack of qualifications to lead the university.

The current situation, marked by uncertainty and a lack of transparent leadership, poses a significant threat to the university's financial health and the academic success of our students. The FSU Bobcats for Integrity and Transparency strongly urge President Nowaczyk and Acting President Delia to resign immediately. We believe that a qualified Interim President should be appointed to ensure the university's continued operation and to facilitate a thorough third-party audit to assess the university's financial standing.

We understand that this is a challenging time for the university community. However, the well-being of our faculty, staff, students, and community is paramount. The FSU Bobcats for Integrity and Transparency will continue to advocate for the best interests of the FSU campus community and demand a swift resolution to this critical situation.

12/08/2024

FSU Bobcats for Integrity & Transparency: Who are we?

Established in 2024 in response to large scale mismanagement, we are a group of individuals concerned about the state of Frostburg State University, including students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. Whether you’ve experienced the effects of administrative mismanagement firsthand or are invested in the future of the university, your voice and perspective are valued here. Together, we aim to foster collaboration and accountability to address the challenges facing FSU.

Mission Statement:

FSU Bobcats for Integrity and Transparency is dedicated to promoting ethical leadership, financial accountability, and open communication at Frostburg State University. We strive to protect the interests of students, faculty, staff, and the community by addressing mismanagement, advocating for transparency, and fostering a culture of integrity and shared governance. Together, we work to ensure a brighter, more equitable future for FSU.

Website: (to be created)