The Bermuda College board of governors has rejected a faculty vote of no confidence in the president of the institution.

The college’s Faculty Association sent a letter in May to the chairwoman of the board of governors, Jill Husbands, notifying her of a vote of no confidence in Duranda Greene. But the board announced yesterday it had given its backing to Dr Greene and had rejected the faculty’s motion.

“Having investigated the key concerns that led to the faculty vote, the board does not believe them to be of the nature or scope to warrant the actions demanded by the Faculty Association,” the board said.

“We are disappointed that the FA did not bring their concerns to the board and allow us the opportunity to address them before raising these issues in the public domain. Notwithstanding, the board is committed to working with the FA and all staff at the Bermuda College with full transparency for the betterment of the college as a whole.

“The office of the president takes direction from, and reports to, the board of governors.

“The board continues to support Dr Greene in her role and looks forward to working with all parties to ensure the college fulfills its mandate for the people of Bermuda.”

The May letter stated that the faculty had carried out a secret ballot in which more than 93 per cent of members voted in favour of the no-confidence motion.

The letter said: “The reasons supporting the decision include, but are not limited to, lack of leadership, diversion of resources away from the mission of the institution, a sense of entitlement of the president, lack of awareness of the realities of the classroom, failure to engage in meaningful communication, and failure to take responsibility for the dismal institutional climate.

“These results quantify faculty’s grave concern regarding the leadership of the president to meet the mission of the college.”

A former lecturer claimed the dispute revolved around the college requiring faculty to teach one additional class a year, but a faculty member said that matter had been resolved.

Both Dr Greene and Ms Husbands expressed surprise about the letter, while education minister Wayne Scott voiced his support for the president.

The board carried out a “thorough review process” to determine the reason for the faculty vote and requested documentation outlining the reasons.

The board added: “Throughout the summer, the board met to review, discuss and define the key issues raised by the faculty.

“Immediately after the faculty returned from the summer break, meetings were requested and held with the FA executive and the faculty board representative, culminating with a meeting with the entire faculty on October 1. The board chairwoman, vice-chairman and two other members met with the faculty and an open and frank dialogue took place.

“A second letter was received from the FA requesting a resolution be put to the board to begin an immediate search for a replacement for the president to take over at the end of her contract.”

Dr Greene was unavailable for comment as of press time last night. Neither the FA nor the Ministry of Education issued a response.