An audit report resulting from an internal investigation conducted by the internal audit department of Southern Texas University indicates that at least $14,000 to $32,000, and potentially far more, was missing from admissions office revenue.
The report, which was obtained by the Texas Monitor, also found improprieties in admissions practices at the University’s Thurgood Marshall School of law, including two students who were attending class who were not properly enrolled and potential payments to an admissions officer for enrollment.
“The Office of Internal Audit & Assurance is in the process of discovery into certain matters regarding selective Admissions and Scholarship administrative processes with the Thurgood Marshall School of Law: inclusive practices of which, if confirmed, violate the University’s professional code of conduct and constitute the commission of fraud within the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. The facts, as we understand them to date, constitute from our position, the need for a full investigation into these matters,” Charla Parker-Thompson, chief audit executive at the university wrote in the audit report.
Edward René, assistant dean of admissions at STU, was fired in September after an investigation first uncovered wrongdoing. TSU President Austin Lane was placed on leave in January under vague terms and left the university last month after negotiating a $879,000 settlement, according to a report by the Texas Monitor.