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The Houston Community College (HCC) Board of Trustees elected to oust Dr. Cesar Maldonado as chancellor on Wednesday, according to reports from Houston-based media outlets.
The board’s decision to not renew his contract puts an end to his nearly 10-year association with HCC.
Houston FOX affiliate KRIV reported that five board members voted to remove Maldonado while four others were in favor of holding a special meeting to consider a new agreement for him.
His current contract is slated to expire on Aug. 31 of this year, or a few days into the 2023-2024 academic year, per a statement issued by board chair Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary that was obtained by the station.
“Chancellor Maldonado has had a notable nine-year run, in part, expanding student achievement, ensuring a high credit rating for our institution, forging value-added partnerships with the community and expanding the mission, vision and strategic priorities of HCC,” the statement read. “On behalf of the HCC governing board, we celebrate the successes of HCC under the leadership of Dr. Cesar Maldonado and extend our gratitude for his leadership and longstanding service as HCC’s Chancellor.”
Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported that Maldonado will continue to serve as chancellor until his contract runs its course.
The station reported that while it’s unknown as to why Maldonado’s employment came under scrutiny, his time at the helm of one of Houston’s largest educational institutions wasn’t without controversy, most notably a lawsuit alleging he demoted black employees on purpose.
According to his biography on HCC’s website, Maldonado joined the six-college system in May 2014.