Truett McConnell University has appointed an interim president after its board formally ended its relationship with former President Emir Caner. The decision follows an independent investigation into allegations that Caner failed to act on reports of abuse involving a staff member.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Emir Caner is no longer the president of Truett McConnell University in Cleveland, Georgia.
- The Board of Trustees appointed John Yarborough as the interim president.
- The leadership change occurred after an independent firm investigated the university's handling of abuse allegations.
- A former student-athlete alleged a university vice president abused her and that Caner was aware but took no action.
- The university has not publicly released the findings of the investigation.
Leadership Change Follows Investigation
The Board of Trustees at Truett McConnell University (TMU) announced on Thursday the appointment of John Yarborough to the role of interim president. This move came shortly after the board formally severed ties with Dr. Emir Caner, who had served as the university's president.
Caner was placed on administrative leave in June while an external firm conducted an investigation. The probe was initiated to examine claims that he mishandled reports of abuse made by a former student.
Richard Hyde of Phoenix Research LLC led the independent investigation. According to reports, Hyde presented his findings to the board during a private, closed-door meeting on Thursday, just before the leadership change was announced.
Details of the Investigation
The university has remained tight-lipped about the specific conclusions of the investigation. Officials have not released the report's findings to the public, and no criminal charges have been filed in relation to the original abuse allegations against the former staff member or the handling of the case by the administration.
Allegations Prompt University Action
The investigation was launched in response to public allegations made in May by Hayle Swinson, a former student-athlete who was later employed as a soccer coach at the university.
Swinson stated that a former vice president of academic services at TMU had abused her over a period of several years. Crucially, she claimed that she had informed President Caner of the abuse but that he failed to take appropriate action to address the situation.
The public nature of these claims prompted the university's board to place Caner on leave and commission the external review to ensure an impartial process.
Timeline of Events
- Early 2024: A former VP is investigated by local law enforcement regarding Swinson's claims. No charges are filed. His employment with TMU ends.
- May 2025: Hayle Swinson publicly details her allegations of abuse and claims President Caner failed to act.
- June 2025: The TMU Board of Trustees places President Caner on administrative leave and hires an independent firm to investigate.
- September 2025: The investigation's findings are presented to the board, which then parts ways with Caner and names an interim president.
Status of the Accused Staff Member
The individual at the center of the abuse allegations, a former vice president of academic services, is no longer employed by Truett McConnell University. His departure occurred earlier in 2024.
According to a statement from TMU, the university was informed in early 2024 that local authorities were investigating the vice president concerning Swinson's allegations. Law enforcement did not ultimately file any criminal charges against him.
The vice president was placed on leave by the university during the law enforcement investigation. His employment ended shortly thereafter. However, the university has not clarified whether he was terminated or if he resigned from his position.
New Leadership at TMU
With the departure of Caner, the university is now under the leadership of Interim President John Yarborough. In a news conference, Yarborough addressed the recent events and the path forward for the institution.
The university, located in Cleveland, Georgia, is a private Baptist institution. The board's swift action following the presentation of the investigative report indicates a decisive step to address the controversy that has surrounded the university's leadership for months.
The focus for the university community now shifts to navigating this transition period. The board has not yet announced a timeline for a permanent presidential search. The community awaits further communication on how the institution plans to move forward and rebuild trust in its leadership.
