A Syracuse University administrator was terminated during the summer after university officials discovered that he displayed ‘inappropriate behavior’ while traveling abroad in Thailand for SU’s Project Advance program.

The university found out that Frank Wilbur, the associate vice president for undergraduate studies, was under federal investigation for his behavior while away from SU in Thailand, said Kevin Morrow, director of SU News Services. Morrow said he does not expect any charges to be brought against Wilbur. SU flew Wilbur back to the United States in May after he suffered strokes in Thailand, Morrow said.

In a written statement to the faculty and staff dated June 8, Chancellor Nancy Cantor said Wilbur was terminated because his behavior abroad ‘violated university policies and standards of conduct.’

Cantor would not offer further comment on the matter.

Morrow could not comment on what specific behavior Wilbur was terminated for, but did say it was rare for a high level administrator to be let go.

‘It is not common for a high level administrator to be terminated. This was an unusual case that warranted such a response,’ Morrow said.

According to SU’s Administrative Policy Manual, in order for a faculty member to be terminated, he or she must violate the standard of conduct which includes such acts as theft or misuse of university funds, fighting and engaging in conduct which threatens the safety of others.

Wilbur’s most recent trip to Thailand was paid for using university funds because he listed his travels as ‘business related’ on his travel vouchers, Morrow said. Part of Wilbur’s stay in Thailand was also for medical treatment.

Pam Heintz, the director of the Center for Public and Community Service, traveled to Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2003 with Wilbur for the International Partnership for Service Learning Conference. Heintz said Wilbur displayed no suspicious behavior and was extremely professional during their week in Thailand.

‘Frank was a constant professional,’ Heintz said. ‘We made our presentation; there was no reason for me to have any knowledge about personal behavior.’

During an internal investigation by SU, Morrow said many people were interviewed and the university is now weighing the appropriate actions to take on the matter.

Asst. News Editor Heather Collura contributed to this story.

Published on August 27, 2005 at 12:00 pm