MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — When the State Board of Education named James Lowe on Thursday to head Bishop State Community College — in a system still struggling to emerge from multiple scandals — the board members immediately faced a new challenge.
“I don’t know what we’re going to do when we need something cleaned up now,” member Ethel Hall of Fairfield said in jest. “Dr. Lowe has been the clean up man.”
Lowe previously served as Bishop’s interim president, leading a four-member “Project Phoenix” team in straightening out the Mobile school after it was rocked by a financial aid scandal.
The board also appointed Robert Glenn to lead Athens State University.
The two unanimous presidential votes came during a wide-ranging meeting that included updates on a disputed adult education software contract and news of a lawsuit from Attorney General Troy King to recoup money the system lost in a corruption scheme.
Glenn replaces Jerry Bartlett, whose retirement is effective Aug. 1, and Lowe takes over for Rep. Yvonne Kennedy, who retired last year amid the upheaval at Bishop State. More than 25 employees and relatives of employees were charged with theft on suspicion of getting federal financial aid fraudulently, prompting Lowe to make major changes in the college’s business operations.
Five presidential vacancies remain in the system, with a sixth post opening when Enterprise-Ozark Community College becomes two schools next year, Postsecondary Chancellor Bradley Byrne said. The system has 28 colleges.
The attorney general told the board he had met with Byrne and will file a civil lawsuit against former employees and businesses who participated in a yearslong corruption scheme from which the system is still recovering.
Former Chancellor Roy Johnson pleaded guilty in March to receiving thousands of dollars in services, furniture and work on his homes in exchange for awarding contracts for work in the two-year system. Other lower-level employees, including a former state representative and a former interim college president, have also pleaded guilty. Two current legislators await trial, but say they are not guilty.
King said his lawsuit will be filed in Montgomery and allege six counts involving fraud, conspiracy and breach of fiduciary duty.
Board members said they hope to recover some of the millions the system lost in the scheme, but learned they wouldn’t fare as well in their fight against paying the remaining balance of a dubious software contract.
Byrne said he expects the Alabama Board of Adjustments to rule that the system must pay the $430,000 balance for Aztec Adult Education software, plus at least $35,000 in interest.
Board members had balked at paying the full contract because they had only approved spending $450,000 for the software and had been led to believe that was the full purchase price. They learned months later that the actual cost was $862,500.
Local News
Alabama school board names 2 new college presidents
- Local News
-
-
Governor kills bill on tax appeals
Business groups pushing the legislation say they will try again in the next legislative session.
-
17 veterans assistance offices closing in Alabama
The offices are being closed because of severe funding cuts to agencies funded by the state General Fund budget.
-
Local morning update for May 29, 2012
VIRAL VIDEO OF THE DAY
This couple in Kansas didn’t seem too concerned about a tornado churning off in the distance as they exchanged vows. -
Ala. schools take different approaches to calendar
A new law requiring Alabama schools to start later in the year has some districts cutting holidays while others have students attending longer class days fewer times throughout the year.
-
Limestone grand jury indicts 149
A recent panel of jurors found there was adequate evidence to formally charge 149 people on crimes involving drugs, property and violence.
-
City shows off new CNG-powered ride
“It amazes me we haven’t gone to this a long time ago,” said Mayor Ronnie Marks, while giving an overview of the vehicle.
-
MORE STORIES: Click LOCAL NEWS bar at top left
Click "Local News" bar at top left for more stories
-
Deputies investigate report of downed balloon, find nothing
Witnesses on Mooresville Road near Nick Davis Road called in the balloon report Sunday evening about 8 p.m.
-
Memorial Day events held across the state
At least 6,423 Americans have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, with 105 from Alabama.
-
Hundreds turn out to protest immigration law
State Sen. Hank Sanders, a Democrat from Selma, spoke to the crowd about the need for unity in what he said is a fight for freedom.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Governor kills bill on tax appeals
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
