Assistant Director of the International Relations (IR) Program John Jenke left his position on Monday, much to the surprise of several of his student advisees and University colleagues.
"I can't comment on the reasons for my departure," Jenke said late Wednesday night from his home.
Director of the IR Program Christiane Zehl-Romero declined to say yesterday whether Jenke resigned or was fired.
A Human Resources regulation prevents employers from discussing why an employee has left his or her position at the University. Human Resources Vice President Kathe Cronin said she could not comment on an individual employee's situation.
However, Jenke's personal friend and former political science professor Donald Klein said yesterday that Jenke "was fired in the full sense of the word."
Klein said he has spoken with Jenke since Monday.
"He was told abruptly, as he walked into his office on Monday, that his computer had been shut down and was asked for the keys to the office and told to leave campus by an employee relations officer and Zehl-Romero," Klein said.
Klein said he was "certain" Jenke was fired due to a personal conflict with Zehl-Romero.
Zehl-Romero, however, said there was no such conflict. "On my part, there were no personal issues," she said. "I was, in fact, in the small group that hired him years ago."
Jenke's advisees were not informed of his departure until Zehl-Romero sent an e-mail to them yesterday, three days after his departure. "I am very sorry to have to inform you that John Jenke has recently left the university," it read. "We would like to make this transition as smooth as possible for you."
Jenke began his career at Tufts 14 years ago as a teaching assistant for political science professor Richard Eichenberg. He then worked as a lecturer in the department for two years.
Following his stint as a lecturer, Jenke moved to the assistant director position in the IR department -- the position he held for the past 12 years.
"I know I speak for many professors in the Department of Political Science, who also contribute to the IR Program, when I say that John Jenke was a tremendous source of guidance for students and professors alike," Political Science Department Chair Vickie Sullivan said.
"He took on an inordinate share of the IR advisee population and served as an effective liaison between our department and IR on administrative issues," she said. "We know from our students that he made their intellectual experience at Tufts richer and more fulfilling."
Dean of Arts & Sciences Susan Ernst could not be reached for comment because she is out of the country.
Jenke also served as an advisor for Hemispheres, the undergraduate journal of international relations.
"Hemi[spheres] would not have been what it is today without him," senior Angela Hukanson, the former editor-in-chief of Hemispheres, said. "Jenke was an incredible asset to the IR department and Tufts, and regardless of the circumstances of his departure, it's a real loss for the school."
Junior IR major and current Hemispheres editor-in-chief Melody Hildebrandt was one of Jenke's advisees. Hilderbrandt said she was "disappointed" with what she called the department's "ineffective response" to the situation.
"I think he's the one person at the University who had the door always open to students," she said. "I know he wouldn't walk out on the students."
Klein has been rallying former students to write to President Larry Bacow demanding Jenke's reinstatement.
In the meantime, Klein said Jenke is considering other appointments. "He's married and has two kids -- he needs a job," Klein said.
"We are very sorry that he will no longer be serving the students and faculty of Tufts," Sullivan said. "We will miss him."
