Valparaiso University business dean charged with misdemeanor battery following whistleblower claims

Niclas Erhardt, the former dean of Valparaiso University's College of Business, was charged with misdemeanor battery on February 18 and is no longer employed by the university. The charge stems from an incident on November 24. Erhardt's attorney claims the charge is linked to his client's whistleblower role regarding financial misconduct at the university. The university has faced significant budget cuts in recent years. Matt Luth is currently serving as interim dean. The university is cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation, which Erhardt's attorney argues should involve an outside police department due to potential conflicts of interest.