DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The St. Norbert College Board of Trustees is set to hold a special meeting today to discuss the decision by the college’s president not to renew his contract.
Brian Bruess’s decision was announced earlier this month, prompting student protests, rumors, resignations by trustees, and multiple statements by the college and Mike Van Asten, president of the Board of Trustees.
This statement was sent to FOX 11…
“Board members will discuss a variety of issues including feedback received from students and faculty, as well as the decision made by President Brian Bruess not to renew his contract. The meeting is limited to members of the board and its advisors,” according to a statement issued on behalf of Van Asten. “Van Asten expects there will be a candid discussion among board members, but it is not likely to bring resolution to all of the issues at hand. The meeting is a starting point for moving forward in a more positive way.”
Bruess, Van Asten, and other college officials have not done any on-camera interviews about the situation – and that’s expected to be the case again today. A written statement may be issued after the session.
To this point, Bruess and college officials have said the resignation is due to differences in the vision for the future of the college, but have not detailed what that means.
College officials have denied suggestions Bruess’ departure is related to the status of Fr. Jay Fostner, who was criticized for his role in handling sexual assault allegations on campus.
Bruess is a 1990 graduate of the college, who took over in 2017.
