Amidst an escalating crisis at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, the school’s president, John Moseley, has been placed on paid leave.

The board of curators of the university decided on this measure following the suicide of Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey, an administrator at Lincoln University.

Candia-Bailey, who was 49 years old and held the position of vice president of student affairs, died on January 8, 2024. Her death is currently under investigation.

Just five days prior to her death, on January 3, Moseley had terminated Candia-Bailey from her post, a role she had taken up only eight months earlier.

According to Veronica Candia, Candia-Bailey’s mother, and Anthony Bailey, her stepfather, their daughter’s professional rapport with Moseley had significantly deteriorated, causing her to feel unsupported and depressed in her job.

On the day of her suicide, Candia-Bailey sent an email to Moseley and others, leveling accusations of bullying and criticizing his leadership as well as the university’s administration.

Monica Graham, a close friend of Candia-Bailey since their freshman year at Lincoln University, who saw the email on the day it was sent, expressed regret about not reading it thoroughly, believing she might have been able to intervene and prevent her friend’s suicide.

In response to the tragedy, the university is initiating a third-party review to scrutinize personnel issues and mental health concerns. Moseley took the decision to voluntarily step aside during this process.

Victor Pasley, the board president of Lincoln University, stated, “We are committed to making the mental health of Lincoln University employees a priority and ensuring that every employee is treated with dignity and respect.”

The unfolding situation has sparked demands for a leadership change. Sherman Bonds, president of the university’s national alumni association, has been particularly vocal, emphasizing the need for healing and a change in leadership. “We need new leadership and obviously to heal,” Bonds said.

Candia-Bailey, a 1998 graduate of Lincoln University, is being remembered by her family and the university community as a staunch advocate for the institution and a source of inspiration for many.

In an interview, her mother expressed surprise at the outpouring of admiration for her daughter on social media, saying, “I was not aware that there were so many people who thought so highly about my daughter.”

The incident has brought up concerns about the work environment at Lincoln University and the adequacy of support mechanisms for mental health.