Updated at 1:23 p.m.

Albert Colom, the vice chancellor of enrollment management, resigned from his position this morning.

Colom is facing a UW-System investigation regarding a formal complaint of allegedly discriminating against gender in the workplace.

Recently, Angela Swenson-Holzinger, former associate director of advising, said Colom engaged in “gender-based negative treatment.”

Swenson-Holzinger filed her complaint with Teresa O’Halloran, the director of affirmative action, on Feb. 3, which was her last day in her position at UW-Eau Claire. She said Colom regularly disparaged other female leaders on campus in meetings with her.

Following the formal complaint and in the midst of the investigation regarding allegations against him, at 9:37 a.m., Chancellor James Schmidt sent an email announcing Colom’s resignation.

Colom’s resignation letter is as follows:

I have informed Chancellor Jim Schmidt that I am stepping down from my position as Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management. I told Chancellor Schmidt it has become increasingly apparent to me that, regardless of the outcome of the current investigation of allegations made against me, I am no longer able to effectively serve UW-Eau Claire in a senior leadership role.  It is my belief this is in the best interest of the University.

I came to UW-Eau Claire because I believed in the vision of strategic enrollment management set forth by Chancellor Schmidt.  I am proud to have served with the enrollment management team in helping the university take a number of important steps on the path toward achieving those strategic enrollment goals.

I am grateful to Chancellor Schmidt for giving me the opportunity to serve UW-Eau Claire.

Schmidt explained in the email to faculty, staff and student leaders that Colom had informed him he was stepping down as vice chancellor for enrollment management. 

Schmidt said Colom’s reason for doing so was he no longer believes he is able to effectively serve UW-Eau Claire in a senior leadership role.

According to Schmidt, this change is effective immediately — Colom’s last day in office was Friday, Feb. 21, and his resignation from UW-Eau Claire will be effective Sept. 2, 2020. 

Despite his resignation, Schmidt said the current investigation of Colom is ongoing and he remains committed to a timely completion. 

This is an ongoing story. Updates to come.

Dirks can be reached at [email protected]

Original story posted at 9:54 a.m.

At 9:37 a.m., Chancellor James Schmidt sent an email announcing Albert Colom’s resignation. The email is as follows.

Dear Faculty, Staff and Student Leaders:

Vice Chancellor Albert Colom has informed me that he is stepping down as Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management. He communicated to me that he no longer believes he is able to effectively serve UW-Eau Claire in a senior leadership role.

This change is effective immediately. His last day in the office was Friday, February 21, and his resignation from our University will be effective September 2, 2020.  While he will no longer be working on campus or supervising employees, he will be re-assigned duties related to his extensive enrollment management expertise during this period.

Today I will meet with the Enrollment Management directors as well as with all employees in the division, shared governance leaders, deans, associate vice chancellors and the executive staff. I will be meeting with UWEC-Barron County faculty and staff on Wednesday. I will be seeking their counsel on how to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities and the continuation of our strategic enrollment management efforts.

The current investigation of Vice Chancellor Colom is ongoing, and I remain committed to a timely completion.

I thank Albert for helping the university make significant progress toward our strategic enrollment goals and his commitment to the success of our students.

I am sharing with you the statement provided to me by Albert Colom.

James C. Schmidt
Chancellor, UW-Eau Claire

Office of the Chancellor
Schofield Hall 204    |    Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004    |    715-836-2327

@ChancellorJim    |    LinkedIn    |    [email protected]

Statement from Albert Colom

I have informed Chancellor Jim Schmidt that I am stepping down from my position as Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management. I told Chancellor Schmidt it has become increasingly apparent to me that, regardless of the outcome of the current investigation of allegations made against me, I am no longer able to effectively serve UW-Eau Claire in a senior leadership role.  It is my belief this is in the best interest of the University.

I came to UW-Eau Claire because I believed in the vision of strategic enrollment management set forth by Chancellor Schmidt.  I am proud to have served with the enrollment management team in helping the university take a number of important steps on the path toward achieving those strategic enrollment goals.

I am grateful to Chancellor Schmidt for giving me the opportunity to serve UW-Eau Claire.