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MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP) — Officials at the financially struggling Mid-Continent University have named a new acting president.
The Paducah Sun (http://bit.ly/1hFhY4S) reports Robert "Tom" Walden was named to the post Saturday after interim president Ken Winters stepped down because of family health issues.
The school's Board of Regents also fired former President Robert Imhoff and his wife, Jackie, who had served as vice president of adult services.
The Imhoffs agreed in February to step down from their roles at the college, but continued to draw a salary until Saturday's vote.
Board of Trustees Chairman Tom Butler said Robert Imhoff was terminated for cause but declined to say more.
"This is one step in a many-step process, and we are awaiting advice from legal counsel to proceed to the next steps," he said.
Robert Imhoff told the newspaper on Monday that he and Jackie both plan to retire and move out of the president's house no later than June. Imhoff said he has no plans for legal action due to the early termination of his contract.
"We are just hoping for the best for the university and for the next submission (of paperwork to the federal Department of Education) to be done appropriately," Imhoff said.
Walden, who serves on the school's board and was previously its vice president for academic affairs, has agreed to stay in the post for a month, which will get the school through its May graduation ceremony.
"He (Robert Walden) is familiar with our operation, and the board has confidence that he is what we need during this difficult time," Butler said. "His involvement and expertise made him a natural choice to fill the gap."
The school's financial situation stems from the U.S. Department of Education's rejection of financial aid paperwork. The university is currently working on a fifth submission of paperwork to get the funding.
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Information from: The Paducah Sun, http://www.paducahsun.com
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