Kansas University officials have fired Richard Johnson, who has served as dean of students since March 2001.

The termination follows an internal investigation after the university received a formal complaint about Johnson on March 30, said Lynn Bretz, a university spokeswoman. She declined to give the nature of the complaint.

“The dean of students is a role model for students who attend the university,” Bretz said. “He must be above reproach and be professional at all times.”

Bretz said Johnson was placed on administrative leave with pay on March 31. He was informed of his firing Friday morning.

Johnson did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

Frank DeSalvo, director of Counseling and Psychological Services, was named interim dean of students.

As dean of students, Johnson was paid $102,985 and oversaw the Student Involvement and Leadership Center, Legal Services for Students, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center, Recreation Services and the Department of Student Housing.

He also was the staff member assigned to Homecoming and served as an adviser to Student Senate.

Johnson came to KU from the University of Missouri, where he was assistant to the vice chancellor for student affairs. At MU, he served a role similar to the one he assumed at KU and served as a liaison with academic departments.

He also was a residence hall director, director of multicultural affairs and assistant to the vice president for student affairs at the University of Vermont, where he received his doctoral degree.

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