But Fr. Cook said the college's "very thorough" investigation has not found any incidents or accusations of sexual conduct toward any student at Wyoming Catholic College.
The college has informed students and their parents about the improper conduct behind the chaplain's dismissal. They were "profoundly shocked" and "greatly saddened" by the incident.
Chaplains "have to meet the highest standards, or they have to leave," Fr. Cook stated. "This college is all about being very Catholic: teaching the students to know and love their Catholic faith, to live morally good lives.
"It is simply unacceptable to have anyone, let alone the chaplain, give a poor or even bad example to them."
The chaplain had undergone a "very thorough vetting program" and a background check that found no criminal record, while Fr. MacDonald's bishop had sent a letter stating he knew no reasons that would disqualify him from being a chaplain.
The college president said prospective Wyoming Catholic College students and their parents should feel that the college is "a safe place to go."
"You cannot escape sin in this world. But when it shows up, if it's dealt with in a very definitive and clear manner, then that's a good place to be," Fr. Cook said.
He said prospective students should be "proud" to go to a college that acted quickly to "protect the educational mission in which we are engaged."
Updated Dec. 7, 2012 at 3:05 p.m. MST. Adds commennts to CNA in paragraph 11 from Police Chief JIm Carey about no crime beingg committed.
Kevin J. Jones is a senior staff writer with Catholic News Agency. He was a recipient of a 2014 Catholic Relief Services' Egan Journalism Fellowship.