DailySusan Humor Blog

SPOTLIGHT ON UNIVERSITY SPENDING

Eyebrows were raised recently when John W. Shumaker resigned last year as president of the University of Tennessee System amid allegations that he used taxpayer money to install a $30,100 phone system for his home, had no receipts for $62,000 in charges on the university foundation’s credit card, and steered a $300,000 no-bid university contract to a friend.

How do these people even THINK it’s OK to do that kind of stuff? Maybe because they figure – most of the time, quite accurately – that no one will ever find out.

Isn’t it a little past time for accountability in higher education spending? Well, that’s . . . academic.

Here’s a simple, painless solution: you know how small-town newspapers regularly publish the school’s “checkbook,” and sometimes invoice and vendor data for other governmental units, such as city government?

Well, we’ve bought millions upon millions of dollars worth of computing equipment for our state universities. They all have websites.

I say, make them publish their check register on that website – complete with explanatory memo detailing exactly what the money went for, what staff member is responsible for the expenditure, detailed vendor information, and annual spending per vendor.

It’s true, hardly anyone would take time to pore through all that. But the key word is “hardly.” Public-spirited citizens and reporters would take time, all right. What would show up? Motel rooms . . . all-terrain vehicles . . . dinner parties at $100 a plate . . . $1,800 office chairs. . . .

Let’s shine a spotlight on the public purse, see what’s exposed . . . and watch who scuttles away.

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Prayer request: Safe travel for all college students returning to their studies this week, Lord. Fill their minds with the knowledge and wisdom they need to feed their souls and equip them for the life You’ve planned for them to lead. (Proverbs 2:2)