NORTH TYLER, Texas (TXAN 24) — Texas College students, alumni, and faculty members are calling for the immediate removal, through this petition, of President Dwight J. Fennell, citing years of mismanagement, financial neglect of athletic programs, Title IX violations, and administrative misconduct.
Under his leadership, the college has faced declining enrollment, low graduation rates, and growing frustration over lack of transparency and accountability.
A Presidency Marked by Neglect and Mismanagement
For years, students have raised concerns about the inequitable treatment of athletic programs, lack of financial aid transparency, and failure to address sexual misconduct allegations.
Despite these complaints, President Fennell has taken no meaningful action to improve conditions for students.
Title IX Failures
Texas College has no designated Title IX Compliance Coordinator, a federal requirement for handling sexual misconduct cases.
In 2019, when a student accused a college employee of sexual assault, Fennell’s administration failed to initiate a proper investigation.
More recently, the former Dean of Students, Isaac Williams, was accused of sexually harassing male students, yet Fennell has remained silent.
Athletic Disparities
The softball team was forced to travel in unsafe conditions—crammed into a 9-seater van for an eight-hour round trip—while other sports received better resources.
President Fennell’s response? “If you didn’t feel safe in a van, you should have forfeited the game.”
Broken Scholarship Promises
In September 2023, softball players signed scholarship agreements, only to be told a month later that their scholarships were being revoked due to “insufficient funds.” Their signed documents were shredded without explanation.
Declining Enrollment & Graduation Rates
Texas College had just 57 graduates in 2024, a reflection of failing academic support systems and poor leadership. Enrollment continues to drop, raising questions about the college’s future.
The Final Straw: A Call for Change
Students met with President Fennell on March 27, 2024, to demand answers regarding these ongoing issues. Instead of addressing their concerns, Fennell reportedly violated FERPA laws by publicly discussing students’ private account balances.
Fennell’s failure to lead has left Texas College in a state of crisis. His outdated policies, neglect of student concerns, and refusal to adapt to modern higher education standards have made it clear—his time as president must end.
What’s Next?
As Texas College pushes its new motto, “Charting the course from good to great,” students and alumni are making it clear that greatness cannot be achieved under Fennell’s leadership.
The demand is simple: Texas College needs new leadership—now.
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