Earlier this month, in response to a UC investigation into possible hiring improprieties, M.R.C. Greenwood resigned her post as University provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. She had left the chancellorship at UC Santa Cruz in 2004 to become the first woman appointed as provost.

Under investigation is a possible conflict of interest revolving around the hiring of Greenwood’s son, James, at UC Merced and the hiring of a friend and undisclosed financial partner, Lynda Goff, as director of UC’s Science and Math Initiative.

UC President Robert Dynes said in a statement that “there is no presumption of wrongdoing, and the University expects to complete its review of these matters shortly.” He added that Goff’s job qualifications were not being questioned, just “the appropriateness of Provost Greenwood’s role in her hiring.”

Greenwood remains a member of the UC faculty and has the option to return to teaching.