By SUSAN JONES
In an unusual move, the dean of the Katz Graduate School of Business and College of Business Administration has sent a message to all faculty and staff concerning the hiring of a faculty member last year who was being investigated by his former employer for sexual harassment.
Charles Hadlock came to Pitt from Michigan State University in July 2022 as the Terrence Laughlin Chair in Finance. In January 2023, Pitt officials became aware of an investigation by MSU that found Hadlock violated the school's policies on relationship violence, sexual misconduct and Title IX while “heavily intoxicated” at an annual business gala in April 2022 attended by students and professors.
Two people reported being subject to unwelcome sexual contact by Hadlock, who was then business school associate dean, during the gala.
Pitt’s Business Dean Gene Anderson said in his message to faculty and staff that after Pitt learned of Michigan State’s investigation “a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the recruitment and hiring of Professor Hadlock” was launched.
The Office of Compliance, Investigations, and Ethics interviewed more than a dozen faculty members, including Hadlock, and reviewed email correspondence, documents associated with Hadlock’s recruitment and hire, documents received in response to a Freedom of Information Act request directed at Michigan State , and other related documents released by MSU’s Board of Trustees. Additionally, the University contacted each of Hadlock’s previous employers.
Anderson, who started at Pitt after Hadlock was hired, said the complete report would not be released, because of privacy laws and University policy, but he said the investigation found that no one at Pitt was aware of the MSU allegations against Hadlock until reports became public in January.
“It’s also noteworthy that Professor Hadlock received a verbal offer from Pitt prior to the incident at the gala event at MSU, and he joined Pitt before MSU began its investigation,” Anderson’s message said. “In addition, none of Professor Hadlock’s previous employers reported any other allegations or findings of inappropriate behavior by Professor Hadlock. Importantly, there have been no allegations of inappropriate behavior involving Professor Hadlock at the University of Pittsburgh.
“Professor Hadlock has taken responsibility for his misconduct at the MSU gala event,” the dean’s message continued. “He is deeply remorseful for his behavior and the harmful consequences that his actions have had on the Pitt Business community and Pitt. He has extended a formal apology to me, recognizing the harm he has caused and pledging to reflect upon his actions as a catalyst for personal growth and positive transformation. His commitment extends to adhering to the highest standards of ethics and behavior in the future.”
In addition, Hadlock has voluntarily resigned from the Terrence Laughlin Chair in Finance and will participate in mandatory training pertaining to sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, gender-sensitive language, and the appropriate use of pronouns. He also has consented to additional measures, including refraining from attending University events where alcohol is served and engaging closely with a professional mentor, among other actions.
Anderson ended his message by reaffirming “our commitment to the pursuit of academic excellence in a community that is welcoming to all. Misconduct and harassment of any kind undermine the nature of an academic institution like ours, which thrives on a culture of mutual respect, support, and open-minded inquiry. We each bear the responsibility of nurturing a safe and welcoming academic environment at Pitt Business.”
At Michigan State, the controversy eventually led to the forced resignation of then-business dean Sanjay Gupta, partly because of his failure to report Hadlock’s behavior under the university's guidelines. The MSU report said two associate deans told Gupta about the incident at the gala, although Gupta was not at the event.
Susan Jones is editor of the University Times. Reach her at suejones@pitt.edu or 724-244-4042.
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