Lincoln University President John Moseley On Paid Leave Amid Backlash Stemming From Dr. Antoinette Bonnie Candia-Bailey’s Suicide

Lincoln University of Missouri’s President, John Moseley, is now on paid leave following the suicide of VP of Student Affairs, Dr. Antoinette Bonnie Candia-Bailey. 

The leave comes after an outpouring of student, faculty, and social media cries for him to be fired. Sources told HBCU Buzz that Dr. Candia-Bailey took her own life on January 8th, 2024, after being bullied and harassed. However, it’s unclear what type of abuse was allegedly taking place. The insiders told the outlet that Dr. Candia-Bailey was left “unsupported, disregarded, and abused” after numerous attempts to speak out on the bullying and harassment she experienced under President Moseley.

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The university’s Board of Curators confirmed that President Moseley went on leave voluntarily in light of a third-party review of the accusations against him. The investigation is expected to take place over several weeks. In the meantime, Dr. Stevie Lawrence II, the university’s provost and vice president of academic affairs, will take over the school president’s duties. 

KRCG 13 obtained multiple emails that Dr. Candia-Bailey sent to Moseley and the Board of Curators, requesting the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This was seemingly due to her battle with depression and anxiety. However, it seems her mental health struggle is why she clashed with Moseley. When she complained about his treatment of her, which included a poor evaluation, the Board’s leader told Dr. Candia-Bailey that the group “does not engage in the management of personnel issues for Lincoln University and will not be taking further action related to this issue. “

Candia-Bailey sent a final email to Moseley on the day of her death, instructing him to stay away from her and her family, writing, “Rose Ann can speak with my family from the administration. You are not to have any contact. You’ve caused enough harm and mental damage.”