At times of success as well as moments of uncertainty, the UTSA community must embrace its core values: integrity, excellence and respect.

In light of President Ricardo Romo’s recent administrative leave, those values are more important than ever.

Andrew Hubbard, UTSA Student Government Association President, said, “UTSA is more than any one individual.” That statement encapsulates our response: we maintain our integrity, continue to strive for excellence and respect every member of our community.

UTSA students, faculty, alumni and supporters all have a stake in our university, and it’s up to us to define our values. How the community responds to challenges speaks more to our values than to any allegations against UTSA’s top administrator.

In a statement, through his attorney Ricardo Cedillo, Romo said he was requested to and he “wholeheartedly agreed” to be placed on administrative leave during this investigation.

This voluntary measure is necessary for all parties. Unfortunately, the UT System has shared little information with the student body in the midst of this investigation. As a result, we must be careful what we condone or who we condemn.

Until the UT System discloses more information to the community, especially the community affected most—students, faculty and staff—we have an opportunity to demonstrate what’s special about UTSA.

We aren’t defined by the person in the president’s office but by the people weighed down by the books, backpacks and briefcases—whose minds, hands and hearts are invested in this campus.

Leadership can define a community, but a community can define its leadership as well.

A call for the clearing of Romo’s name  is just as premature as the act of ushering him out the door before the investigation is complete.

This ordeal should invite discussion within our community. The result of those discussions will be instrumental in determining the future of UTSA.