U of I Employee Forced Out But Praised?

After approving a $450,000 settlement requiring a subordinate to quit, University of Iowa's vice president for human resources, and 2 other high ranking officials, wrote letters of reference praising Chad Simmons work. Simmons quit last May after 16-months, and he was paid 2 years salary as his contract required if he were let go without cause. Susan Buckley's letter says Simmons left to pursue other interests. But KCCI cites an expert who calls the letter misleading.