PLAINFIELD, IL — The senior administrator at Lincoln University was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in Plainfield, the Will County Coroner’s Office said Wednesday.
Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey was pronounced dead at 9:55 a.m. Jan. 8 in the 15000 block of South Frederick Street. The Chicago native was 49, according to the coroner’s office.
“Bonnie’s motto was, ‘I don’t ever want to should’ve, could’ve, would’ve, so I do!'” her obituary reads. “Bonnie was a wonderful woman who was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished.”
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Candia-Bailey served as the vice president of student affairs at Lincoln University in Missouri, her alma mater. She began working at the school in May 2023 but was terminated on Jan. 3 by school President John Moseley, the Kansas City Star reported.
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Moseley was placed on paid leave on Jan. 12 while a third party reviews personnel issues and concerns about mental health following Candia-Bailey’s death and calls from students and staff for his removal, according to reports from NBC.
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Veronica Candia, Candia-Bailey’s mother, told NBC that her daughter told her and her husband during the holidays that her relationship with Moseley “had deteriorated” but did not share specifics.
On the day Candia-Bailey died, she sent an email to her longtime friend, whom she met at Lincoln University, that included a letter where she accused Moseley of bullying and criticized his leadership, according to NBC.
Lincoln University officials did not respond to Patch’s request for comment at the time of publication. The university issued the following statement on its website:
Lincoln University’s Board of Curators plans to engage a third-party expert to fully review potential personnel issues and concerns recently raised regarding compliance with the University’s established policies and procedures. As part of that process, Dr. John B. Moseley has volunteered to be placed on paid, administrative leave while that review is conducted. Dr. Stevie Lawrence II, currently Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Lincoln University, will serve as Acting President during the review process. Dr. Lawrence brings a wide range of higher education experience to this role and will ensure continuity in University operations.
The Plainfield Police Department is investigating Candia-Bailey’s death. The final cause and manner of death will be determined once the autopsy and police and toxicology reports are all completed, according to the coroner’s office.
A visitation and celebration of life for Candia-Bailey is planned for Saturday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 402 Singleton Place in Joliet.
A free, 24/7, confidential service can provide people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress or those around them with support, information, and local resources. Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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