Perry calls for conservator for TSU

Another development in the story of Texas Southern University's ongoing problems: On Friday, Gov. Rick Perry asked all the university's regents to resign and called for the appointment of a state-appointed conservator who would have the sole power to run the school. It's a drastic step — especially in light of the fact that a commission Perry appointed to find a way for TSU to get back on its feet decided a conservator wasn't necessary — and it's already drawing fire from local legislators. But the change is necessary, Perry said: "Conservatorship will bring a strong leader to the forefront of the university to reinstate accountability, take immediate and decisive action to correct mismanagement, and make the fiscal decisions necessary to get TSU back on track."

The current round of financial problems at TSU came to light when the scandal involving former President Priscilla Slade broke last year. Slade is accused of spending nearly $2 million in state money on personal items, including furniture, gym memberships, Christmas presents and church donations, but that was apparently just the tip of the iceberg: A report from TSU's interim CFO earlier this year revealed tens of millions of dollars in debt, overspending and much-needed capital improvements. And it's not the first time the university has been in similar trouble before — in 1989, the state threatened to take control of TSU because of "gross financial mismanagement," and in 1996 and 1997, lawmakers discussed putting the school under the control of a state university system after finding rampant problems in the management of financial aid money.

But does the current situation really warrant a state takeover of the institution? No, says state Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Houston): "What has been done in appointing a conservator is not in the best interest of the institution, is not in the best interest of the 11,000-plus students who are there and not in the best interest of the students who have yet to come," he said. "I'm totally offended by it. I think it's disrespectful to the institution, and it's disrespectful for those of us who have served and continue to serve in the Texas Legislature." State Sen. Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) suggested Perry hadn't thought enough about his decision, and state Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) turned the university's current problems back on Perry. "[The decision is] especially disappointing considering that the current financial problems are problems causd by regents and other individuals Gov. Perry appointed himself," Coleman said.

Still, the decision seems to have some support on campus: Regent Bill King called conservatorship "an unfortunate situation, [but] probably a necessary action," and interim TSU President J. Timothy Boddie said it's "not business as usual, but business at a faster pace, which is something the university needs." It's not clear who the conservator would be, but the Chronicle reports a name that's been heard around campus is that of Kerney Laday, a TXU board member and retired Xerox executive. If Perry's decision goes forward and the Senate confirms a conservator, he or she would be placed in charge of university spending, with the ability to hire and fire employees and change the administrative structure. A conservator would likely be in place for a year.