At issue was the process for hiring Snyder as permanent Provost, the institution's chief academic officer. Snyder had served as interim Provost for two years, and was previously the Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. He has also served as the HSU faculty representative on the statewide Academic Senate.
President Richmond, who has been in Long Beach meeting with other CSU leaders about the state budget crisis, said the group's vote was unfortunate.
"I'm disappointed that they took this approach. Mainly it's a distraction from the many good things happening at Humboldt State and the many serious issues that we need to face together," Richmond said.
"Robert Snyder is an outstanding Provost and he has my absolute support," Richmond added. " I am also as committed as ever to Humboldt State, and I plan to continue serving as President for years to come."
A vote of no-confidence is a symbolic expression of disagreement, but does not require a particular action or response within CSU policy.
CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed expressed his support of President Richmond and the decision about Provost Snyder.
"The decision to change Provost Snyder's status to permanent was the right one," Reed said. "In the face of many years of declining budgets, President Richmond has brought about remarkable improvements to the campus, such as new academic buildings, record levels of demand from prospective students, increased diversity and growing alumni support. Humboldt State is fortunate to have Rollin as its President and he continues to have my full support."
In appointing Snyder, President Richmond cited the need for permanent leadership during difficult economic times, broad agreement that Snyder has been doing good work, and the high cost of doing a national search that is part of the formal hiring process of a campus executive. Such a search was expected to cost $50,000 or more.
"I don't take it personally." Snyder said. "However, it is discouraging to have a group of faculty focused on this, rather than the various challenges this campus faces, including the worst state budget crisis in decades."
Humboldt State's vice presidents and deans – the senior leadership of the campus – were unanimous in their recommendation that Richmond appoint Snyder as permanent Provost. They also expressed unanimous support for Richmond's leadership as President.
The meeting where the vote took place was announced late last week. It was a meeting of the General Faculty Association, which is distinct from the Academic Senate (a formal body that recommends policy) and the California Faculty Association (the faculty union).