For clarity, did the president of UM Dr. Loh, basically put his middle finger to the board and decide to fire Durkin by himself?
It sounds like that is what happened? Good for him .... one of this times where when you're walking out the door and can do the right thing instead of toeing the corporate line.
It seems like this is exactly what happened. I'm not sure I understand the lines of authority with the Board of Regents and President, but I haven't seen anywhere that the Board itself made this call to fire Durkin.
Kudos to the President, for tendering his resignation first of all, when the Board called for Durkin's reinstatement, and then for apparently firing Durkin anyway.