The Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) opened a case for former University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication Dean Juan-Carlos Molleda.
Molleda suddenly resigned from his position in July, after a report by the university’s student newspaper unveiled his disproportionately high travel spending. On June 9, the Daily Emerald reported Molleda had spent $46,000 in 2023-24. In that same academic year, UO Dean of Students Marcus Langford spent just over $11,000 and former UO School of Law Dean Marcilynn Burke spent $3,700, according to the newspaper’s report.
UO said it is conducting an internal audit of the SOJC triggered by concerns about “travel expenses, reimbursements and related recordkeeping.” The audit results are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Molleda officially left his role as dean on July 31, stepping into a faculty position. UO appointed Regina Lawrence, associate dean of UO SOJC Portland, as interim dean.
Dean Juan-Carlos Molleda presides over the School of Journalism and Communication graduation ceremony at the University of Oregon June 17, 2024.
OGEC opened the case into Molleda during an executive session on Aug. 8.
The first step in any OGEC case is conducting a preliminary review, a process that can last up to 60 days. According to the state website, OGEC is required by law to conduct preliminary reviews confidentially. The preliminary review decides whether there is cause to conduct an investigation.
If OGEC does not find cause to investigate, the matter will be dismissed. If cause is found, an investigation commences. After completing the preliminary review, all information will be made public.
Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on Twitter @mirandabcyr.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Ethics board opens case for University of Oregon journalism dean
