OU Confirms That Top Fundraising Official Is On Leave

Friday, June 8th 2007, 3:15 pm

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- University of Oklahoma officials said Friday that the school's head of fundraising has taken medical leave, less than a week after he was charged with misdemeanor domestic abuse.

Jean-Paul Audas, OU's vice president for development, was arrested by Norman police at his home late Sunday and was released Monday after posting $1,000 bond. The statement issued Friday by the university did not mention Audas' arrest but said Audas had taken the leave "to seek treatment."

Audas' wife, Allyson Audas, told police an argument escalated and became physical. She said she slapped Audas and alleged that he repeatedly punched her in the face and kicked her, according to an affidavit filed in Cleveland County District Court.

Allyson Audas has filed for a victim protective order against her husband. A June 19 hearing is set in that case, court records show.

Jean-Paul Audas has served as an OU administrator since 1993 and was promoted last September to vice president.

"As a professional, J.P. Audas has provided record breaking leadership for the University's development program," OU President David Boren said in the statement. "He has a wonderful family. The concern of the University at this time is on what is best for him and his family."

Boren said that Paul Massad, a senior associate vice president in the development office, would assume the role as OU's acting vice president of development.

"Paul Massad has over four decades of service to the University," Boren said. "He has been a mentor for many of our development and alumni leaders. The positive momentum in this area will continue without interruption. I appreciate Pauls willingness to take on additional responsibilities to serve OU."