TU Keeps Mum On Firing Of President After Just Two Months

The University of Tulsa is keeping the reason behind its decision to fire its new president a secret.

Geoffrey Orsak became the University of Tulsa's president on July 1. Wednesday, his tenure came to an end after just ten weeks, and, for now, no one is saying why.

The university's student body president declined to comment and messages left with several presidents of alumni associations in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas were not returned.

Only the alumni association president in Fort Worth replied saying he's not concerned, at all, about the university and that he has full faith in the board of trustees.

9/12/2012 Related Story: University of Tulsa Fires President Geoffrey Orsak

The university is not commenting on anything right now, including its plans for the future or why Dr. Orsak was let go. It's important to note that the University of Tulsa is a private institution and not bound to the state's open records laws.

Orsak was hired July 1 and the university purchased the famous Skelly Mansion for his family to live in.

The board of trustees named Executive Vice President Kevan Buck to manage the day-to-day operations of the university.

A school spokeswoman said he was not available for comment.

Thursday night, Chairman of the TU board of trustees Duane Wilson sent a letter to students and faculty. In it, he declined to explain the decision and expressed his confidence in Buck as the interim President.

Wilson also expressed sympathy for Dr. Orsak's family:

"Discretion and university policy dictate that I not discuss the specific circumstances surrounding the decision, except to underscore my confidence in the collective wisdom of The University of Tulsa Board of Trustees. Our board comprises some of the most experienced leaders of our community, who have successfully managed through a wide range of challenges. I appreciate and applaud the serious and thoughtful insight that each trustee brought to these deliberations, and I am confident that the board reached the conclusion that best serves our students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and many partners.

"Although unavoidable, the timing of this decision was particularly unfortunate, given the additional challenges that the Orsak family faces with the care of Dr. Orsak's ailing father. We wish all of them well during this difficult time and in their future endeavors.

"We recognize the public's significant interest in this development, but in accordance with our personnel policies and status as a private institution, we will not discuss the details behind the board's decision."