Bonnie Bailey, Lincoln University Missouri’s Vice President of Student Affairs, committed suicide on January 8, 2024. Her family told several news outlets, including HBCU Buzz, that she committed suicide as a result of “bullying and severe mistreatment” at the university. Following Bonnie Bailey’s untimely death, the Jefferson City community in Missouri has demanded the immediate removal of the institution’s president, Dr. John B. Moseley, whom HBCU Sports has identified as one of the offenders. Since then, the hashtag #FireMoseley has been trending.
In fact, the news outlet reported that Bonnie Bailey allegedly wrote a letter to the university before committing suicide about how she was subjected to “stigmatized bullying from the President and other leadership officials” and was in mental distress.
Other university branches, such as the Lincoln University National Alumni Association, have issued similar demands and addressed the need to change the campus atmosphere.
Who is Dr. John B. Moseley?
According to Lincoln University’s official website, Dr. John B. Moseley is the institution’s 21st President. He took over as President in January 2022, following an eight-month stint as interim President. Before that, he served as Head Basketball Coach in 2014 before becoming Director of Athletics in 2015.
Later, in 2021, he earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from University of Missouri. Dr. Moseley spent 14 years at Historically Black College or University (HBCU) campuses, where she focused on increasing enrollment and access. He also has more than 20 years of higher education experience.
During his time at Lincoln University, Dr. Moseley established the Blue Tiger Advantage Scholarship program, which has helped to boost enrollment in the last two years. He has also changed the admissions process and hired regional recruiters.
His accomplishments also include obtaining federal grants and funds and collaborating with Missouri Consolidated Health Care (a state employee insurance plan) and the state’s Board of Curators to help increase the salaries of his faculty.
Dr. John B. Moseley is married to Dr. Crystal Moseley, an assistant professor at Lincoln University. The couple has a daughter named Jillian and all live in Jefferson City.
What happened to Bonnie Bailey?
Bonnie Bailey committed suicide on Monday, January 8, following allegations of bullying and mistreatment by fellow university administrators. Following the death of the Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Antoinette Candia-Bailey, the Jefferson City community has requested that Dr. John B. Moseley be removed from his position as President.
Sherman Bonds, President of the Lincoln University National Alumni Association, has also called for a similar move. He informed President Victor Pasley of the Lincoln University Board of Curators that they had received “repeated calls and emails expressing dire concern for the health of the university” from them. Here’s what he wrote in her statement, which HBCU Sports obtained:
“I find myself standing in a state of hopelessness. Therefore, my appeal to you and the Board of Curators is to find a resolution that restores the consciousness of peace and healing. I have become compelled to demand a change in the Office of Presidency of the University effective immediately.”
The call for President Moseley’s dismissal coincides with Lincoln University’s official statement on Bonnie Bailey’s death, which arrived three days late. Here’s how it appeared on Facebook:
“The Lincoln University community is mourning the loss of beloved alum and leader Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey. Dr. Bailey passed away earlier this week. She was a gifted colleague and always a passionate advocate for Lincoln University, HBCUs, and other causes in which she believed.”
Notably, sources close to Bonnie Bailey claimed that she was “unsupported, disregarded, and abused after countless attempts to speak out on the bullying and harassment she experienced in her role from President Moseley” and was on the verge of committing suicide.
According to reports, she even sent a letter expressing her concerns, but her “cries for help” were not taken seriously. Following this, there has been a push to change the university’s leadership, with the Jefferson community demanding accountability from Dr. Moseley.