College board terminates president’s pay, will seek attorney’s advice.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

VICTORY TWP. — The West Shore Community College Board of Trustees voted Monday to terminate President Charles Dillon’s pay while he is on administrative leave. The board also unanimously voted to consult an attorney on Dillon’s status with the college.

Dillon has been on paid administrative leave since early August when he was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. See related story. Since that time, Dillon was arraigned on what’s known as “super drunk” status because of his excessively high blood alcohol level.

In addition to being suspended, Dillon was required to turn over the college-owned vehicle in his possession, attend a rehabilitation program, to be followed by a fitness for duty exam, and share the results of that program openly with board Chairman James Jensen.

At the request of Dillon board met Monday afternoon in closed session during its regular monthly meeting. Dillon was not in attendance.

After the vote, Jensen said some of the conditions have not been met. He did not specify which conditions, however.

“We have just decided it was time to make the change,” Jensen said about terminating Dillon’s pay.

Earlier in the open meeting the board appointed Scott Ward, vice president of administrative services, to serve as acting president. Ward and Dr. Lisa Stich, vice president of academic services, have been sharing the top duties of the college. Several of those duties will continue.

Dillon is scheduled for a pre-trial meeting Wednesday in Manistee’s 85th District Court Wednesday. That appearance is not open to the public but rather a meeting between the defense and prosecution.