A Purdue University associate dean who was responsible for making sure that fraternities, sororities and other student organizations kept their activities within campus policies and the law has been fired.

Robert P. "Pablo" Malavenda, was removed from his position as associate dean of students, the university announced Friday, two weeks after he was charged with theft.

Malavenda, 50, was arrested Oct. 9 after employees of Walmart contacted West Lafayette police, alleging he was captured on video stealing items on Oct. 8.

Malavenda was later charged in Tippecanoe Superior Court 5 with theft, a Class D felony, and conversion, a Class A misdemeanor.

Pumpkins, smoke alarms, light bulbs and bedding is what he is accused of stealing from the West Lafayette Walmart.

Attempts to reach Malavenda on Friday were not successful.

Malavenda supervised the student activities and organizations area, which includes more than 690 student organizations, independent housing units, fraternities, sororities and other programs. He joined the university in 1998.

Brett Highley, president of Purdue Student Government, said Malavenda's arrest shocked many students and that his removal will affect some groups.

"There are several prominent student organizations where he was a primary adviser for. PSG was one," Highley said. "That advisory role is so important. ... Pablo had great institutional knowledge and incredible involvement and engagement with students. It's sad when you lose an adviser like this."

According to Purdue's policies, Malavenda has the right to appeal his termination.

Purdue issued a statement that it would comment no further on the issue. Spokeswoman Jeanne Norberg said only that Malavenda's "employment was terminated."

Mart Brawner will be interim associate dean of students while the university conducts a search to fill the position.

Malavenda's initial hearing on the charges is Nov. 7 in Tippecanoe Superior Court 5.