TOLEDO (WTOL) - After six years with the University of Toledo, Haraz Ghanbari is out as the director of military and veteran services at the school.
The university sent Ghanbari, also a Perrysburg city councilman, a notice of involuntary separation on Oct. 23, saying that the decorated military veteran would continue to be paid through Jan. 21 but that his last day on the job was to be Oct. 23.
“I built the program from the ground up,” said Ghanbari, who admits to being surprised by the university’s decision. “They told me, ‘Hey, this is not for cause. We want to move in a different direction.’”
Ghanbari was originally hired by the university in 2012 as a military liaison, responsible for developing programs and building relationships within the military community and for helping military members and veterans to succeed in the classroom.
“I was passionate about working with veterans. I know I made a difference with countless veterans. I get the letters. Students are still reaching out to me.”
In 2015, he was promoted to Director of Military and Veteran Affairs. UT spokeswoman Meghan Cunningham said the school will open a search for Ghanbari’s replacement.
Despite the school asking him to leave, Ghanbari has repeatedly received positive reviews since his hire, with each of his evaluations 4.0 or higher on a scale of 5.0.
In his May evaluation, he was commended for his opening of the new student veterans lounge and for helping Bob Barger, a 96-year-old Navy vet, graduate. Barger’s story was featured in media outlets around the world, and it was mentioned by White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders during her daily press briefing.
“I was passionate about working with veterans,” says Ghanbari, who says he is exploring multiple professional opportunities. “I know I made a difference with countless veterans. I get the letters. Students are still reaching out to me.”
Ghanbari is a lieutenant commander in the Navy reserves and was a sergeant in the Army National Guard. He has deployed to Afghanistan and Bosnia during his time in the military.
The University of Toledo issued a statement in the wake of the departure, saying it is pleased with the direction of the department.
“The UT Military Service Center continues to strengthen our support system for our veteran students. In fact, in November the University was recognized by the Military Times with the Best for Vets 2019, a prestigious designation. We are committed to ensuring veterans know they are welcomed and respected on campus and that they have everything they need to succeed.
"The Interim Director (Jeff Perry) is moving the center forward and has already expanded the center’s programming. The men and women who have served our country, or who are actively serving our country, are valued members of our community,” the statement read.
