Former Edison professor sues college, president

Essinger, of Troy, alleges violation of his constitutional right to assemble, violation of the Ohio sunshine law, defamation, defamatory libel, civil conspiracy, interference with contract, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

College officials could not be reached for comment Friday.

Essinger worked as an adjunct professor at Edison from fall 2008 to spring 2009, according to court documents.

Edison in March notified 67 administrative employees and 16 faculty members that their employment contracts would not be renewed for the fiscal year starting July 1 because of concerns over state higher-education funding.

In response, Edison’s Academic Senate passed a no-confidence resolution against Yowell, who has served as college president for 21 years.

On April 15, Essinger attended and videotaped portions of the Edison board of trustees meeting. According to the lawsuit, Yowell stated: “I am aware there is a video camera in the room. There is no policy against taping, but I would prefer it not be done.”

On June 12, Essinger met with two Edison scheduling coordinators, who scheduled three courses for him to teach in fall 2009.

Two days later, Cindy Carbone, Edison’s dean of Arts and Sciences, told Essinger that he could not be re-hired, under orders from Yowell, according to the lawsuit.

Mindy McNutt, Edison’s vice president at the time, said Yowell “did not want (Essinger) at Edison because of his videotaping of the board meeting,” according to the lawsuit.

On July 27, Essinger received a copy of an e-mail, dated July 6, from Yowell to nine Edison officials “specifically disparaging (Essinger’s) character and competence,” the lawsuit said.

Essinger is seeking more than more than $200,000 in compensatory, punitive and statutory damages.

Edison enrolled 3,300 credit students for the 2008-2009 academic year at its main campus in Piqua, the Darke County campus in Greenville, and at locations in Tipp City and West Milton.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2419 or dlarsen@DaytonDailyNews.com.