MSU reaches separation agreement with faculty member

The agreement stems from the fact that Hendrix is on the Greene County sexual offenders list for the rape of a minor 25 years ago in Ohio.

The university issued a public statement regarding Hendrix on April 3, and announced that same week that he would be reassigned, with limited teaching responsibilities.

Hendrix went on administrative leave April 20, after additional questions were raised.

On April 27, he approached the university about leaving the faculty.

Under the terms of the agreement, Hendrix will receive $166,734 – divided into equal installments of $55,578 to be paid annually for the next three years – less usual deductions.

He also will receive $7,000 for summer school, to which he already had committed.

Also, if Hendrix obtains any medical treatment prior to Aug. 31, MSU will reimburse him for deductible/out-of-pocket amounts of up to $10,000.

Litigation risks

According to MSU President Michael T. Nietzel, a financial settlement was necessary because Hendrix held tenure and had, essentially, a long-term contract.

“The risks for litigation in this case were substantial; this agreement eliminates the possibility of legal action,” Nietzel said in the release.

Nietzel added that the cost of the settlement is offset by several factors, including ongoing costs for replacement faculty, since it already had been agreed upon that Hendrix’s classroom duties would be reassigned.

“In addition, the case was diverting time and focus from university priorities in a number of areas,” Nietzel said. “In fact, the university had contemplated having to hire an independent investigator to address all of the issues that had arisen in the case.”