Texas Southern University President Placed on Paid Leave

Priscilla Slade, president of Texas Southern University, was placed on paid leave pending the results of an investigation by auditors on her spending for travel and home improvements. President Slade spent $94,000 on her expense account for travel, meals, hotels, and entertainment, nearly double the amount budgeted for such activities. In addition, the university board of regents is investigating expenditures of $85,000 for furnishings of the president’s home and $138,159 for landscaping. President Slade has repaid the landscaping bill which she says the university paid for by mistake.

President Slade joined the Texas Southern faculty in 1991 and was named president of the university in 1999. A graduate of Mississippi State University, she holds a master’s degree in accounting from Jackson State University and a Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Texas. President Slade is expected to stay on paid leave until the next scheduled regents meeting on May 5.

The Harris County district attorney is also looking into the matter.

Copyright © 2006. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. All rights reserved.