NOC terminates employment of arrested theatre faculty member

 

Northern Oklahoma College officials announced today that Mr. Anthony Lee Luetkenhaus is no longer employed at Northern Oklahoma College. After further investigation and proven violations of NOC policies, he was terminated from his employment at NOC on Monday, May 3, within three business days of the onset of this investigation.

Additionally, NOC President Dr. Cheryl Evans said that Luetkenhaus is banned from the campus for the protection of the NOC campus community. In a campus announcement sent out earlier today, Dr. Evans provided resources from both NOC and the area communities.

Professional counselors were on campus Monday and the college has arranged for counseling support for any victims traumatized by the situation. Students and employees are encouraged to contact Mr. Jason Johnson, Vice President for Student Affairs/Title IX Coordinator for counseling referral information.

“Our campus community is heartbroken for the victims in the allegations against Tony Luetkenhaus and are fully cooperating with the Tonkawa Police Department in the investigation. We are doing everything we can so justice is served and we can begin the healing process,” said President Evans. “We want to thank the courageous people who stepped forward to report their experiences. Our College is a safer place because of your bravery.”

Campus spokesperson Sheri Snyder stated, “There is limited information that can be shared because of the ongoing investigation and employment law. The investigation with Tonkawa Police Department is ongoing and we are being as transparent as possible.”

Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services which create life-changing experiences and develop students as effective learners and leaders within their communities in a connected, ever changing world.

NOC, a public two-year community college, serves nearly 5,000 students on the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater, online, and the University Center in Ponca City. Of these students about 60% receive financial aid and/or scholarships.  Over 80% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.

NOC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science.  The associate degree fulfills lower-division course work which is applicable towards a bachelor’s degree.

Call (580) 628-6200 for more information about Northern Oklahoma College or visit www.noc.edu .