By Bill Mahon and Lisa Powers, Penn State
UNIVERSITY PARK – Following an executive session held Sunday night (Nov. 6), members of Penn State’s Board of Trustees and President Graham Spanier received a request from athletic director Tim Curley to be placed on administrative leave so he can devote the time needed to defend himself against recent allegations by the Pennsylvania Attorney General. Gary Schultz, interim senior vice president for finance and business, will step down so that he also can defend himself and return to retirement.
Both men have been charged with failure to report and perjury. Both deny any wrongdoing.
“The board, along with the entire Penn State family, is shocked and saddened by the allegations involving former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky,” said Steve Garban, chairman. “Under no circumstances does the University tolerate behavior that would put children at risk, and we are deeply troubled.”
Sandusky retired from the University in 1999.
Schultz, who served as senior vice president of finance and business and University treasurer from 1993 until his retirement in 2009, recently returned to Penn State in an interim capacity to help the University transition as it fills the position. The University has been interviewing candidates for the post and expects to fill the position in the coming weeks.
Spanier said that Senior Associate Athletic Director Mark Sherburne will serve as interim athletic director until Curley’s legal situation is resolved.
“The protection of children is of paramount importance,” said Spanier. “The University will take a number of actions moving forward to increase the safety and security within our facilities and make everyone aware of the protocols in place for handling these issues.”
Garban announced the following steps:
1. The chair of the board will appoint a task force to engage external legal counsel to conduct an independent review of the University’s policies and procedures related to the protection of children. This action is not intended to interfere with the ongoing judicial process;
2. Publicize the findings of the independent review;
3. Review with administrators police reporting protocols; and
4. Enhance educational programming around such topics.
“Members of the Board of Trustees reinforced that Penn State is committed to honesty, integrity, and upholding the highest ideals,” said Garban.