Dean of University Center in Rapid City Suspended

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The dean of the University Center in Rapid City has been suspended but officials aren't saying why.

Officials announced the suspension of Craig Johnson in a short statement on Wednesday, saying the center's daily operations would not be affected but offering no details on the reason for the move.

Black Hills State University oversees the center. Spokeswoman Kristen Kilmer tells the Rapid City Journal that the school will not release details of the suspension. She says the reason for the statement was to assure students that their education would not be affected.

Black Hills State Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rodney Custer declined comment.

Johnson was named dean in October 2011. Before that he was a vice president at Jefferson Community College in Watertown, N.Y.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.