Chancellor’s Update: Reaction to Professor Arrest

March 4, 2019 Communications, Email Updates, On Campus

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Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,
Over the weekend, UW-Milwaukee Professor of Health Sciences Anthony Azenabor was charged with two counts of felony sexual assault with the use of force and one misdemeanor count of fourth degree sexual assault related to interactions with UWM students. Yesterday, a Milwaukee County judge issued a no contact order, barring Professor Azenabor from the UWM campus.

The charges against Professor Azenabor are very serious. Our UWM Police Department has been working closely with the district attorney’s office on the criminal investigation, and university leadership is evaluating his continued employment. While a no contact order was issued yesterday as part of the legal proceedings, UWM took actions previously to preclude Professor Azenabor from having any contact with UWM students. In addition, he is not teaching any courses this semester.

UWM is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all everyone, and we always encourage students, faculty and staff who believe they have been victimized to come forward and speak to police and other resource offices as noted below. Those who report issues like this are courageous and their bravery allows us to take responsive actions.
The following offices are resources for students seeking assistance or support:

• Dean of Students Office: 414-229-4632
• Norris Health Center/University Counseling Services: 414-229-4716
• Victim Advocacy Services: 414-229-4582
• Women’s Resource Center: 414-229-2852

Faculty and staff in need of assistance may contact our Employee Assistance Program online or by calling (866) 274-4723.

Faculty, staff and students who believe they have inappropriate behavior to report may contact:

• UWM Police: 414-229-4627 (non-emergency) or 9911 (emergency)
• Equity/Diversity Services: 414-229-5923
• Human Resources 414-229-4463

We will provide updates as they are available, noting that we will adhere to legal and confidentiality provisions that sometimes restrict what information may be shared and the timing of when information may be shared.

I want to assure you that our ultimate goal is to provide a safe campus in which our students, faculty and staff thrive. I am committed to addressing this matter directly as well as advancing our work to cultivate a campus environment of zero-tolerance for sexual assault and misconduct. Thank you for your part in making UWM a safe campus for everyone.  

Best regards,

Mark A. Mone
Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee