IHL commissioner steps aside during pending investigation
The state College Board approved Higher Education Commissioner Thomas Meredith’s request that he “step aside from his day-to-day duties” during an investigation of whether Mississippi State University personnel performed landscaping work at his Jackson-area home.
Ten of the 12 members of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, commonly called the College Board, met Saturday morning for about three and a half hours in closed session. The emergency meeting was held via teleconference with eight members meeting at the University of Mississippi and two at other locations throughout the state.
Two members did not participate.
While no one has said on the record what the investigation entails, various sources have said it involves allegations of Mississippi State Interim President Vance Watson providing landscaping work for Meredith. MSU has a Landscape Architecture Department.
Such action could violate state law, if true.
College Board President Amy Whitten said after the executive session that Meredith will be on paid leave until the office of state Auditor Stacey Pickering completes an investigation of the allegation.
Expedited investigation
Whitten said she had spoken with Pickering and has been told the investigation will be expedited. But still, she said it is impossible to put a timetable on how long the investigation could take, though, she said she hopes “it is a matter of weeks.”
A news release said Whitten will assume Meredith’s duties until the issue is resolved. Whitten, who has been on the Board since 2000 and is an Oxford attorney, said an excellent staff is in place that can handle most of the responsibilities of overseeing the eight public universities.
However, the status of Watson, as interim president of Mississippi State, would not be changed, Whitten said.
The College Board is in the midst of a search to hire a new president for the university, and it has been speculated that Watson, who has been a member of the faculty for more than 40 years, is a finalist.
In a statement Friday, Watson said he wanted to meet with the College Board to address “vicious public attacks.” Watson’s statement said the allegations were made by people trying to discredit him as the presidential search continues.
On Saturday morning, the College Board spoke with Meredith via telephone, but did not talk with Watson.
“Obviously, Dr. Watson is entitled to appear before the Board,” Whitten said. “At the appropriate time, we will meet with Dr. Watson.”
Whitten said the MSU search was discussed in executive session, but no action was taken.
Two influential Lee County legislators, who are MSU graduates, said they hope the investigation does not hinder the presidential search.
“I hope this will be resolved quickly, and I hope there is nothing to it,” said Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville. “…If it is true, it must be dealt with. If it is not true, we need to get on with selecting a leader.”
Still in the running
Sen. Alan Nunnelee, R-Tupelo, said if the allegations are not true, Watson’s candidacy should not be harmed.
NE MS Daily Journal
9/27/8
Magnolia Tribune
