Phil Verpil, the assistant vice president for Enrollment and executive director of Admissions at Auburn, has submitted his resignation and left the university. Verpil came under fire in May when sources with close ties to the office disclosed to a reporter at The Plainsman and to 1819 News that the office was in chaos with massive staff turnover and questionable race-based practices.
The University started an investigation into the allegations of wrongdoing, according to several people close to the office; the status and results of that investigation have not been made public.
"I wanted to share that Dr. Phil Verpil has submitted his resignation. He shared that he is grateful to Auburn University for the opportunity to serve in this role." Dr. Joffery Gaymon wrote this morning in an email to staff.
At least one of the ways in which Verpil was accused of manipulating the admissions process was test-optional admissions. The University announced that they are phasing that process out altogether. The University announced earlier this year that it will continue with a "very limited number" spots in 2026, and full testing will return in 2027, with applicants then required to submit a SAT or ACT score, as they did before the COVID-19 changes.
RELATED: Auburn University to phase out controversial 'test optional' admissions process by fall 2027
"We're just thankful justice has been served; it's almost too little, too late. I hate that the people who changed their lives for this, there's no reparations for them," a source with ties to the office said, noting that numerous employees who left the office had their lives and careers upended, at least one was just shy of retirement.
The source said that Verpil had not been in the office this week. As for next steps, the source says they hope that all of Verpil's hires are reevaluated for the positions that they are in, with an emphasis on looking into their experience and qualifications.
A spokesman for the University responded to a request for comment, saying, "Auburn University does not comment on personnel matters."
In a previous statement, the university said, "Auburn University does not consider race in its admissions decisions and adheres strictly to all applicable state and federal laws. Admissions policies are designed to ensure that all applicants are evaluated fairly, with a focus on academic rigor. Like other nationally ranked institutions, Auburn University attracts an applicant pool reflective of various backgrounds; from that applicant pool, only highly qualified students are admitted."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected]
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
