State auditor looking at MSU

The Clarion-Ledger, 12/19/8

The state auditor’s office again is investigating a possible misuse of public resources involving Mississippi State University.

Authorities have not identified the targets or the nature of the probe. Two months ago, a separate auditor’s investigation led to the retirements of two top higher education officials.

Lisa Shoemaker, spokeswoman for the auditor’s office, confirmed Thursday that an investigator was at MSU’s Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi on Wednesday.

The second investigation, she said, does not involve former interim MSU President Vance Watson or former Higher Education Commissioner Tom Meredith, both of whom stepped down.