The recent 2nd round of substantial layoffs at SNHU aren’t just a cost-cutting measure—they’re the culmination of years of unresolved issues, leadership failures, and systemic dysfunction. For many of us in IT and beyond, this moment feels less like a surprise and more like the natural outcome of poor decisions, ignored concerns, and unchecked privilege.
Leadership has consistently rewarded loyalty over competence. Promotions and key roles have often gone to those connected to senior leaders, not those with the qualifications or vision to lead. Carrie Woodward’s rise to CTO stands as a clear example—despite widespread concern about her limited technical and educational background, she has benefited from a pattern of favoritism and preferential treatment that has eroded trust across the division.
Meanwhile, those working at the ground level—those responsible for building, securing, and maintaining SNHU’s critical systems—have faced repeated marginalization, poor communication, and retaliation when raising valid concerns. In one deeply disturbing case, a senior leader was reported for inappropriate physical conduct at a university-sponsored conference multiple times. That individual still holds their position today, while those impacted were left unsupported and retraumatized.
SNHU’s once-proud mission now feels buried beneath layers of bureaucracy, silence, and fear. Transparency is gone. Morale is shattered. And the tech infrastructure, once a point of pride, is now an afterthought.
I’m fortunate to have escaped, but I know many who remain—still trying to do good work in a place that no longer values it. If you're reading this: you're not imagining it. Protect your health, your career, and your dignity.
You are not alone.