Department of Public Safety Director William Tucker was notorious for avoiding the press.
Tucker declined to answer reporter’s questions on a regular basis, even labeling a particular student journalist “devious” on one occasion. It was difficult for Tucker to gain legitimacy, both for himself and the department, when he declined inquiry.
In an e-mail sent Friday to the Georgetown community, Senior Vice President Spiros Dimolitsas announced the Tucker’s retirement as Director of Public Safety. Dimolitsas wrote that Chief Tucker would be leaving Georgetown effective the next business day, an abrupt departure that left students and faculty wondering about the actual causes of Tucker’s resignation.
In keeping with Tucker’s uncommunicative reputation, the University offered no concrete explanation for Tucker’s sudden exit from Georgetown. Although it is possible that Tucker simply decided to retire, if this was the case it seems he would have given an appropriate amount of notice, as many other high-level University employees have.
By simply touting Tucker’s accomplishments at Georgetown, it seems Dimolitsas attempted to overshadow the administration’s failure to explain Tucker’s hasty departure. However, the e-mail was followed by a DPS announcement of an armed robbery, which underscores recent student concerns about campus security.
During a time in which the administration emphasizes campus security and emergency preparedness, the departure of a prominent safety figure without explanation undermines the efforts of the University to appear ready for any dangerous situations.
Tucker is not the first person to leave abruptly this year. In just the past six months, several department directors have left the University for various reasons. While regular turnover is to be expected, a closer look at the level of positions that are being vacated makes one wonder how Georgetown can stay sable when so many high level administrators have resigned.
During this year, several administrators left the University. Last April, Director of Student Programs Mary Kay Schneider left Georgetown for the University of Florida. This past June, Director of Special Programs Ellen Nelson van Bever also left the University after nine years. Director of Residence Life Frank Robinson left abruptly last November. Director of the Women’s Center Nancy Cantalupo departed this February.
Although Georgetown has hired several new administrators and is searching for several more to fill vacancies, the administration has not been forthcoming with students about the motivations of those who resigned. Until the administration is, they will be regarded by students and faculty alike with suspicion and skepticism.
