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VP assures Dean she will ‘not be terminated’ after alarming email, takes leave amid crisis

Additional reporting by Idaya Zyndra

After an alarming email triggered concerns about Seattle Central College’s leadership, newly released emails reveal further correspondence between Dean of Student Development Kunbi Ajiboye and Vice President of Student Services Kao LeZheo, with the VP’s recent leave raising further questions.

On Oct. 22, The Seattle Collegian obtained the emails through a public records request, revealing that Ajiboye’s Aug. 31 email, in which she mentions “the gun,” was preceded by a series of over 10 emails to individual staff and leadership, all sent within a 25-minute span starting at 12:19 a.m. on Aug. 31.

The recipients included Whatcom Community College’s Director for Student Life and Development Heidi Farani; Vice President Kao LeZheo; President Bradley Lane; Director of Student Support Programs Molly Pettiford; Administrative Assistant in Student leadership Yuka Hemmi; (now former) Director of Student Leadership Katie Wallace; South Seattle College Dean of Student Development Dennis Denman; Manager of Auxiliary Services Sammy Faust; South Seattle College EDI Navigator Kano Cheng (now former Seattle Central Student Leadership employee);  Program Specialist JC Ignacio, Student Leadership Graphic Designer Eric Murillo; Director of Human Resources Scott Rixon; and President’s Office S.I.P Director Tony Vo. 

Most of Ajiboye’s emails were single lines, with several repeating the phrase “I failed the test didn’t I” without any punctuation. To Heidi Farani, the dean wrote, “You supported me off the cliff. I am my father.” To Molly Pettiford, she wrote, “Im [sic] sorry I did not live up to my values. I am an hypocrite [sic]. I didn’t pause to listen. I just came after you.”

After Ajiboye’s group email with the mention of “the gun,” Vice President LeZheo responded to her individually, cc’ing President Bradley Lane and writing, “…I want you to know we care about you and support you. We can work through this, and you will have our full support. Can you respond to this email, so that we can know you are ok?” It appears that the Dean never replied. 

However, four hours later, LeZheo replied to an email from a family member of Ajiboye, thanking them for “reaching out on behalf of [Dr. Ajiboye],” including a link to the Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and confirming Ajiboye’s two-week leave. 

LeZheo added, “I know Dr. Kunbi [Ajiboye] expressed concerns about termination,” referring to her Aug. 31 email, and stated, “I’m confirming she will not be terminated.” Instead, the VP assured Ajiboye’s family members that she would “be welcomed with open arms upon her return on 09/16/24.” Ajiboye’s leave was later extended to six weeks, although the dean has not returned to campus as of Nov. 3. Director of Human Resources Scott Rixon was cc’d in LeZheo’s email.

The public records also reveal that Dr. Ajiboye sought to schedule a performance evaluation for the same employee mentioned in her personal journal, which expressed the dean’s desire to terminate that employee. The journal was discovered by Student Leadership staff on Aug. 19, while the evaluation was planned for Sept. 3 but never took place. 

Following the receipt of new information, The Seattle Collegian sought clarification from President Bradley Lane and Director of Human Resources Scott Rixon regarding LeZheo’s leave and Ajiboye’s employment status at the college. However, both declined to provide comment, referring The Collegian to Public Information Officer Adam Russell. 

While the newly released emails clarify Vice President LeZheo’s attitude toward Dr. Ajiboye, they fail to explain how he determined the dean posed no threat to other employees and reveal that LeZheo did not address the concerns raised by Molly Pettiford and others. 

As of Monday, Nov. 4, Vice President LeZheo has begun a six-week leave. The nature of his leave remains unclear, leaving employees who serve under him unsure about whether it is voluntary, paid, or if LeZheo is to return to his post on campus. 

Author

Editor-in-Chief at Seattle Collegian

Sophia is an internationally published author with her book Primeira Pessoa, as well as a young classical singer. Born and raised in Brazil, she believes the greatest role of a writer is to bring forth the truth, the honesty, and the humanity that echoes within each one of us.

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