Lincoln University President Reinstated After An Investigation Found Insufficient Evidence Of Bullying Following The Death Of A Colleague

John Moseley, the President of Lincoln University of Missouri, has been reinstated after an investigation found no evidence to support bullying allegations against him. The investigation was prompted by the tragic suicide of Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey, a university alum and the vice president of student affairs, on January 8. A letter surfaced after her death, accusing Moseley of bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

Following these serious allegations, Moseley voluntarily took paid administrative leave while the Board of Curators launched a thorough investigation into the claims.

“I’m thankful for the Board of Curators’ trust and their vote of confidence,” Moseley commented. “They briefed me on the investigation’s findings a week ago. Since then, I’ve taken time to consider my and the university’s future with my family and Lincoln University community members. I am deeply committed to this university, its mission, and all our students, staff, and faculty. I’m eager to return from administrative leave and continue my work as President.”

In response to Candia-Bailey’s passing, the Board of Curators announced they would hire a third-party expert to investigate recent concerns related to university policy and procedure compliance.

The investigation ultimately deemed the bullying claims against Candia-Bailey “unsubstantiated.” It involved a detailed review of thousands of document pages and extensive interviews with Lincoln University employees and leaders.

Candia-Bailey had joined Lincoln University’s staff in May 2023. She was issued a termination letter on January 3, citing reasons such as insubordination, specifically allowing an ineligible student to work, giving ineligible students access to discounted housing, and not adhering to confidentiality requirements in a grievance filed by two subordinates.