2008 Woodie Awards
Former dean, university drop lawsuits
Kevin Hoffman
Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
The university last week dropped its lawsuit against former Dean Lee Jones, who was accused in 2005 of misspending more than $50,000 from an organization he founded. In return, Jones has withdrawn his discrimination lawsuit against the university.
The agreement clears Jones of repaying more than $10,000 in funds the university said he used for unapproved purchases including office furniture, computers and travel expenses. Jones claimed the university's actions during the audit were racially motivated.
"We've resolved the matter to the satisfaction of both parties and it's behind us," UW System spokesman David Giroux said.
As part of the deal, both sides agreed to not alert the media to the agreement or discuss its terms.
Jones' attorney Robert Kasieta wouldn't discuss the agreement, but said he didn't ask for the secrecy clause.
Kasieta said the sides had been working on an agreement for several weeks.
Jones, founder of the Brothers of the Academy and former dean of graduate studies and continuing education, was demoted from his dean position in December 2005 after an audit revealed questionable purchases on a university issued credit card. Jones resigned from his faculty position in March 2006 before filing the lawsuit in December. The university followed with a countersuit.
Jones recently launched "InSpire" magazine in Tallahassee, Fla. The magazine is described by its Web site as an inspirational publication that serves to better people's lives.
The deal between the two sides angered Rep. Steve Nass (R-Whitewater). Nass released a statement blasting the university for not protecting taxpayers' money while attempting to keep the deal secret.
"The UW System failed to properly supervise this administrator when he was abusing taxpayer and students funds," Nass said in the statement. "Now, they give-up on getting the people's money back and try to hide this failure with a secrecy clause in the settlement."
Giroux would not comment on the statement but said he would be willing to discuss the matter with Nass' office.
A similar audit accused Howard Ross, former dean of the College of Letters and Sciences, of inappropriate purchases in excess of $300,000 on a university issued card. The university is currently seeking $117,155.90 from Ross.
Ross filed a discrimination complaint against the university, which was dismissed by the State Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division last month.
Kasieta, who also represents Ross, said they are still exploring their options.
Giroux would not comment on whether or not a deal similar to Jones' was being worked out with Ross.
Jones could not be reached for comment. Sara Kuhl, director of university marketing and media relations, referred all questions to Giroux.
The agreement clears Jones of repaying more than $10,000 in funds the university said he used for unapproved purchases including office furniture, computers and travel expenses. Jones claimed the university's actions during the audit were racially motivated.
"We've resolved the matter to the satisfaction of both parties and it's behind us," UW System spokesman David Giroux said.
As part of the deal, both sides agreed to not alert the media to the agreement or discuss its terms.
Jones' attorney Robert Kasieta wouldn't discuss the agreement, but said he didn't ask for the secrecy clause.
Kasieta said the sides had been working on an agreement for several weeks.
Jones, founder of the Brothers of the Academy and former dean of graduate studies and continuing education, was demoted from his dean position in December 2005 after an audit revealed questionable purchases on a university issued credit card. Jones resigned from his faculty position in March 2006 before filing the lawsuit in December. The university followed with a countersuit.
Jones recently launched "InSpire" magazine in Tallahassee, Fla. The magazine is described by its Web site as an inspirational publication that serves to better people's lives.
The deal between the two sides angered Rep. Steve Nass (R-Whitewater). Nass released a statement blasting the university for not protecting taxpayers' money while attempting to keep the deal secret.
"The UW System failed to properly supervise this administrator when he was abusing taxpayer and students funds," Nass said in the statement. "Now, they give-up on getting the people's money back and try to hide this failure with a secrecy clause in the settlement."
Giroux would not comment on the statement but said he would be willing to discuss the matter with Nass' office.
A similar audit accused Howard Ross, former dean of the College of Letters and Sciences, of inappropriate purchases in excess of $300,000 on a university issued card. The university is currently seeking $117,155.90 from Ross.
Ross filed a discrimination complaint against the university, which was dismissed by the State Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division last month.
Kasieta, who also represents Ross, said they are still exploring their options.
Giroux would not comment on whether or not a deal similar to Jones' was being worked out with Ross.
Jones could not be reached for comment. Sara Kuhl, director of university marketing and media relations, referred all questions to Giroux.
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