Woman Who Took Own Life In Plainfield Was University Admin: Reports

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."

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.

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.

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.

Patch reached out to Lincoln University for comment on the allegations and was directed to the following statement issued Jan. 12 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.

“As a Board, we are committed to make certain the mental health of Lincoln University employees is a priority and that every employee is always treated with dignity and respect,” said Board of Curators President Victor Pasley. “The Board has confidence in the leadership team we have at Lincoln, but as we all work together to serve students and the Lincoln University community, this review will fully examine important questions, concerns and gather facts. Dr. Moseley agrees those issues should be examined and has volunteered to go on leave during the review so that it can move forward in a fully independent way.”

While the Board and University leaders cannot comment publicly on confidential employee personnel information, the recent loss of Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey is tragic. This review will be an important part of the Board’s commitment to listening and addressing important issues. The third-party review will be conducted at the direction of the Board over the coming weeks.

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.