During today’s emergency teleconference meeting the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning accepted and approved Commissioner of Higher Education Thomas C. Meredith’s voluntary resignation from day-to-day activities.
According to The Clarion-Ledger, Meredith and current Mississippi State University Interim President Vance Watson are under investigation following allegations that MSU equipment and personnel were used to landscape Meredith’s Jackson-area home.
State Auditor Stacey Pickering said his office has been made aware of the allegations involving IHL and MSU employees. He said he could not comment any further on ongoing investigations.
The office of the state auditor investigates potential abuses of public funds. Findings from such investigations are sent to the district attorney’s office for further action.
College Board President Amy Whitten said Meredith’s position will not be filled while Meredith is absent on paid leave. The board took no action in regards to Watson.
Sen. Doug E. Davis, R-Hernando, said the IHL is taking the appropriate steps in response to the allegations charged to Meredith and Watson. Davis chairs the Miss. Senate University and Colleges Committee.
“I look forward to listening to the state auditor’s and the IHL’s findings,” he said. “As for how this impacts potential legislation, that’s a conversation for later.”
Annie Mitchell, IHL director of media relations, said despite Meredith’s resignation, the Board Search Committee is still progressing with the MSU presidential search.
“The board still has the goal of naming a president by the beginning of November,” she said.
In a Friday e-mail from Mitchell, the following statement was given by Meredith regarding the allegations against him and Watson: “I look forward to a prompt resolution of this issue and remain committed to moving Mississippi forward through higher education.”
Scott Ross, Board Search Committee chairman, was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.
Maridith Geuder, MSU University Relations director, said it would be inappropriate for the university to comment at this time.