Daniel Jackson
News Editor
Alumni Director David Tromanhauser tendered his resignation Nov. 20.
Tromanhauser has worked as alumni director for the college since 2008, and his superior, Blake Hudson, vice president for Advancement, described him as “a cheerleader” for the school who built the alumni community and helped recruit students for the college.
Hudson announced a week later in a college press release that Associate Director of Career Services Bob Jensen, Bryan Class of ‘80, would take Tromanhauser’s place as interim alumni director.
In an interview Tuesday night, Tromanhauser said he thought he would work as Bryan’s alumni director until he retired. But the college allegedly told Tromanhauser in a 45-minute conversation that he did not support the school or the president.
Tromanhauser said he does not remember having a conflict with the school.
“If there was a specific event, it was not made clear,” he said.
Hudson declined to talk about Tromanhauser’s resignation.
“It’s a personnel matter and it’s policy not to talk about it,” he said.
Tom Davis, director of public information for the college, said the college’s alumni have been vocal about Tromanhauser’s resignation from the college. More than 100 alumni posted on Bryan’s alumni Facebook page expressing a “variety of opinions.”
Davis knows of only one alumnus who told the college that he or she would “not fulfill an outstanding pledge.” However, Davis thinks it’s too early to tell if the college will change its policy. While the feedback of 100 alumni is significant, the college has about 10,000 alumni.
Diane Sirmans (Class of ’86), who sits on Bryan’s alumni board, said alumni are sad that Tromanhauser has left the college. He led alumni back to the college and developed stronger relationships between the alumni and the college. With his absence, Sirmans said she feels disconnected from the college.
“On the one hand, we are so sad,” she said. “On the other hand, we are so angry because there has been no explanation and that tends to lead to fear.”
Meanwhile, Tromanhauser said he is still promoting the college to alumni and prospective students.
He appreciates the leadership of Bryan President Dr. Stephen Livesay.
“He gives you vision in relative freedom and that shows great trust. I’ve appreciated that greatly.”
Jensen declined to speak about Tromanhauser’s resignation because he said he has no knowledge of the “personnel decisions” made by the college.
“I’m going to do the best job I can for Bryan,” Jensen said, adding his position with the alumni office will be temporary.
“I’m not interested in the position on a long-term basis,” he said.
Jensen enjoys working in the Career Center, helping students prepare for careers after college. That’s why he returned to Bryan, he said.
He and Tromanhauser are friends, having both graduated in 1980 with history degrees.
Tromanhauser describes his relationship with Jensen as close, calling Jensen “a man of impeccable character.” When Jensen was offered the position, Jensen told Tromanhauser about the offer over lunch at Bimbo’s before accepting.
Hudson said Jensen was picked as interim alumni director because he has many connections with the alumni. After all, Jensen’s father was a long-time Bible professor at Bryan and author of numerous study guides and commentaries on the Bible.
Hudson does not believe the services of the Career Center will suffer during the time Jensen works both positions. He said the center has good people and resources, and Jensen will manage without traveling and speaking at many events like Tromanhauser used to do.
Currently, the department is discussing with Jensen what the future will hold for the position of Alumni Director.
“We’re still evaluating what comes next,” said Hudson.