A judge in Greene County, Ohio issued a preliminary injunction on Wednesday preventing the Coalition for the Common Good from dismantling the Antioch University Advisory Board. The ruling represents the latest development in an ongoing legal dispute between Otterbein and Antioch Universities, which established their joint partnership in 2023.
The CCG’s board of directors, chaired by Otterbein President John Comerford, voted in private during August to dissolve Antioch’s board, assume control of the institution’s financial accounts, and modify its accreditation status with the Higher Learning Commission. On the same day, Comerford delivered a termination notice to Antioch President Lori Varlotta, who has held the position since 2025.
After an initial injunction request failed in September, Antioch filed a second legal challenge through board member Therese Cannon, characterizing the actions as a “hostile takeover.” Judge Adolfo A. Tornichio determined that CCG lacked the legal authority to dissolve the advisory board, alter Antioch’s accreditation status without approval from the Antioch Standing Committee, or terminate Varlotta. However, the judge distinguished between termination and administrative leave, allowing CCG to place Varlotta on paid administrative leave despite denying the termination request.
Steve Crandall, chair of the Antioch University Advisory Board, characterized the decision as favorable to the institution. He stated that the court’s determination validated Antioch’s position that CCG lacks authority over the board’s dissolution, the institution’s Higher Learning Commission relationship, or Varlotta’s employment status.
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