Tennessee comptroller suggests TSU Board of Trustees be vacated after report finds poor fiscal practices and housing shortages

A damning audit from the state comptroller’s office suggests hiring new management at Tennessee State University. This comes after a report released Wednesday saying the university is fiscally irresponsible and plagued with housing shortages.

Rep. Sam McKenzie, D-Memphis, is the leader of the Black Caucus. He addressed the housing concerns after the audit was presented to legislators on Thursday. McKenzie says the problem with the housing is that students don’t move off campus when normally expected.

“You can’t push those students off because the rents are $1,500 to $2,000, whereas at the University of Tennessee they’re $400 to $600 if you’re rooming with someone,” McKenzie said.

McKenzie thinks the school’s leadership can fix many of the problems listed in the report. However, Senate Speaker Randy McNally is ready to put new leadership in place, starting with President Glenda Glover. 

“From what I’ve seen, the problems that they’ve had there: I think that probably change is in order,” McNally said. 

McNally expects to speak with TSU’s president and board of trustees before coming to a final decision.