Former head of the Department of Public Safety Joe Wehner will begin in his new position this morning with a list of potential assignments awaiting him.
Wehner has served as the department's director for 12 years. He was reassigned because of a series of allegations against the University Police Department and an investigation by the Indiana State Police, an investigation that resulted in no criminal charges.
Wehner will meet with Kevin Kenyon, the associate vice president of Facilities, Planning and Management, to review a list of interim assignments Kenyon drafted.
"I was asked if I could provide meaningful work for him," Kenyon said. "I approached it from that direction."
Kenyon would not comment on the specific assignments until he could talk to Wehner, but he said some of the general issues addressed include emergency planning and building security. According to Dean of Students Randy Hyman, Wehner's new position could also include working on parking issues.
The assignments Kenyon gives him will be determined by Wehner's background and experience in public safety, Kenyon said.
Wehner said he would not comment about the position until after the meeting. He has yet to receive an official job title, but his salary and financial benefits will be equivalent to those when he was the department's head.
Kenyon will serve as Wehner's work supervisor, Hyman said, but Wehner will report to Doug McConkey, the vice president of Student Affairs.
Wehner has been on administrative leave since Feb. 6, but he was never terminated from the university. As a continuing contract professional personnel who has been at Ball State for more than four years, the university must give him notice of termination 12 months before letting him go.
Wehner is, however, subject to the given assignments from his area supervisor, according to the Faculty and Professional Personnel Handbook.
Wehner attempted to remain as director by filing a preliminary injunction against the university. His attorney Mark Abrell, of Dennis, Wenger and Abrell, said Wehner was entitled to his position until a final hearing could be held.
"From our perspective, Wehner was not given his due rights," he said.
Judge Robert Barnet, however, ruled in a four-page conclusion last Wednesday that Wehner was not denied any due process of law nor did he prove that losing his position constituted a risk to the public.
Wehner first joined Ball State in March of 1990 as the director of traffic, safety and security. Prior to that, he was the director of police and parking systems at Iowa State University from 1987 to 1990 and a member of the University of Nebraska Police Department from 1973 to 1987.
Wehner graduated from Doane College of Crete, Neb., with a bachelor's degree in 1983. He majored in economics.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
