The University of Mississippi has announced the retirement of Dr. Charlotte Pegues, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
The university announced on Friday that a national search will be conducted to find a replacement before the next academic year.
“Thank you to Dr. Pegues for her years of service,” said Provost Noel Wilkin in a statement to the university community.
Legal Challenges Surrounding Retirement
Pegues’ retirement follows her indictment on multiple counts of animal cruelty in September. Lafayette County officials discovered dead and malnourished dogs at a home linked to Pegues.
The university placed her on leave after the charges were filed, but her attorney has denied any wrongdoing.
The status of the case is unknown, and university officials declined to comment on whether the legal issue influenced her decision to retire.
As the University of Mississippi searches for a new Vice Chancellor, Pegues’ legacy and legal proceedings are under scrutiny.
