AUSTIN, Texas—Lawrence W. Burt, associate vice president and director of student financial services at The University of Texas at Austin, was dismissed today (May 14) following an investigation into allegations of impropriety in his office.
At the request of the University of Texas System Board of Regents, Chancellor Mark G. Yudof and University of Texas at Austin President William Powers Jr., Barry D. Burgdorf, vice chancellor and general counsel of the University of Texas System, led the investigation. Burgdorf submitted his final report today. The report is available online (PDF).
The report found that Burt, who headed the Office of Student Financial Services since 1994, violated Regents’ Rules and Regulations and The University of Texas at Austin’s standard of conduct.
Charles A. Sorber, a former senior administrator at the University of Texas System, former president of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and former interim president of the University of Texas at Arlington, has agreed to come out of retirement and head the Office of Student Financial Services for an interim period, beginning May 29.
Sorber, professor emeritus in the College of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, earned three degrees in engineering, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Pennsylvania State University and a doctor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin.
“Restoring the credibility of our Office of Student Financial Services is paramount,” Powers said. “I am pleased that a person of Dr. Sorber’s personal integrity and vast administrative experience is available to examine and improve the office’s policies and procedures.
“I know Dr. Sorber will work closely with Juan Gonzalez, vice president for student affairs, and the staff of Student Financial Services to ensure that we continue to provide the highest quality service to our students and their families.”
