The president of the Hudson Valley Community College was placed on administrative leave Wednesday while an independent investigation is conducted into an employee's allegation of misconduct, according to the college's Board of Trustees.

The board met in executive session Wednesday afternoon and launched the investigation after the college's human resources office received a complaint about President Roger Ramsammy, according to HVCC Board chair Neil Kelleher. 

After the meeting, Kelleher said Ramsammy was placed on administrative leave, and Louis Coplin, who recently retired as vice president of student affairs, will act as college leader pending resolution of the matter. 

“It is important for members of our community to know that the college takes any report of misconduct very seriously," Kelleher said. "We have clearly established policies and procedures for handling a claim or allegation in a fair and expeditious manner, which we are following."

Attorney Kevin Luibrand released a statement Wednesday on behalf of Ramsammy.

“Dr. Roger Ramsammy has dedicated himself to elevating Hudson Valley Community College both locally and globally during the past six years. He has always, without exception, conducted himself professionally and respectfully with all employees at all times. Any allegation otherwise is completely baseless and without merit. Untruthful claims will be addessed within the context of the established college Human Resources process,” the statement says.

On Thursday, however, HVCC College Faculty Association President Robert Whitaker issued a statement saying members were concerned the board did not place Ramsammy on leave at the time the complaint was filed, and hoped the college community could navigate "through this challenging time" with transparency and integrity.

"Any faculty member facing such an allegation would have immediately been placed on leave from the College," the statement say. "This delay allowed President Ramsammy to remain on campus and continue to interact with faculty, staff, and students, including at all three of the College's commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 11. The union cannot overlook the gravity of this situation and the potential impact it may have had on those involved."