DURHAM — A dean at N.C. Central University has been charged with assault on a female after an incident last month involving a colleague.

Ontario S. Wooden, 34, dean of the University College at NCCU, was arrested Sept. 28 and released the same day under a $2,000 bond.

The arrest came after a disturbance on campus Sept. 24. An incident report from the NCCU police identified the victim as Tarryn L. Simmons, 25, who is listed on the university’s website as a speech coordinator. Her injury was classified as minor, according to the report.

Wooden’s attorney, Butch Williams, said Wooden would plead not guilty. A court date is set for Oct. 23.

“He looks forward to his day in court, when all of the facts will come out,” Williams said.

The university released a brief statement Wednesday, saying NCCU officials were aware of Wooden’s arrest.

“As this is a personnel matter, the university is unable to provide additional comment,” said the statement, released by NCCU spokeswoman Ayana Hernandez.

Wooden was hired by NCCU in 2008 as an associate dean of University College and was named dean last year. The college provides academic advising and support to students in their first two years at NCCU, in an effort to improve retention and graduation rates.

Wooden, whose salary is listed in a UNC database as $105,000, has a bachelor’s degree from Albany State University in Georgia, as well as a master’s and Ph.D. in higher education administration from Indiana University.

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