Yazdi Resigns, Receives $73,160

Khalil Yazdi, who was recently demoted from his job as vice president for UMW technology, resigned last week, receiving a $73,160 settlement.

The resignation was effective Wednesday, April 7, according to George Farrar, the associate vice president for university relations and director of communications, who provided the settlement amount.

Yazdi declined to comment on the resignation.

Yazdi’s resignation came one week after President Rick Hurley demoted Yazdi from his position as vice president for Information Technologies and Institutional Research.

The Bullet reported three weeks ago that Yazdi had been investigated for not appropriately following Virginia laws when purchasing computer software.

The allegations made against Yazdi through a state employee fraud, waste and abuse hotline were found to be substantial by UMW Director of Internal Audit Tera Kovanes, according to an audit report.  At that time, Yazdi declined to comment on the audit.

Hurley would not comment on whether the audit played a role in the demotion.

“I made the decision that I thought was in the best interest of the university,” Hurley said two weeks ago. “I thought our information technologies needed a new perspective.”

Yazdi worked under former President Judy Hample at the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education before coming to UMW in August 2008.  Yazdi’s annual salary was $185,000, the third highest at UMW.

Nina Mikhalevsky, a professor of philosophy, was assigned on an interim basis to Yazdi’s position.  According to Farrar, a search to fill the position permanently has not yet been discussed, especially with a new administration beginning.

Mikhalevsky could not be reached for comment.

Continuing to reshape his administration, Hurley also promoted Rick Pearce to acting vice president for administration and finance.  He will continue to serve in his previous role as associate vice president for business and finance.

“His additional areas of responsibility will include campus security, facilities services and human resources,” Hurley said in an e-mail to faculty.  “He will serve in this capacity until further notice.”