On Friday, Nov. 7 Tarleton State University announced via email that Vice President for Student Life Rusty Jergins had been dismissed, and would no longer be affiliated with the university. Jergins had been under a months-long ethics investigation, during which he was placed on paid administrative leave from his position. Now, weeks after the decision, the circumstances surrounding Jergins’ dismissal remain a mystery.

“In September, Tarleton State University requested that The Texas A&M University System begin an investigation into the Division of Student Life. The System has completed its investigation and reported the findings to President F. Dominic Dottavio. Based upon these findings, the university has decided to make a leadership change. Rusty Jergins is no longer affiliated with Tarleton State University, and thus, is no longer serving in the capacity as Vice President for Student Life,” said the email, sent on the morning of Nov. 7 from the Office of the President, Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio.

Following the announcement, many questions remained unanswered, and the details of the investigation have been under tight wraps.

“We really have no other comment since this is a personnel matter,” said Harry Battson, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Tarleton. “The statement indicates that the university initiated the investigation. The investigation itself is considered confidential and not public record.”

The statement from Battson came after JTAC News contacted the Ethics and Compliance Office of the Texas A&M University System for more information. The response was not unexpected – staff members contacted about the investigation have been tight-lipped since September.

One TAMUS member, however, was willing to give his thoughts on the matter, albeit vaguely.

““I would love to tell you exactly what happened,” said TAMUS Chancellor John Sharp in an interview with Texan News Service, “because I can promise you that Tarleton is now better off because of that change.”

In the email announcing Jergins’ dismissal, the President’s office cites Tarleton’s core values as the driving force behind the decision.

“Tarleton State University’s vision is to be the premier student-focused university in Texas and beyond,” the email said. “Our Core Values: Integrity, Tradition, Civility, Leadership, Excellence and Service, inform our decisions and provide context for our actions as an institution.”

Further investigation into the matter has failed to turn up more details. However, JTAC News will continue to update students as information becomes available.