COLUMBIA, S.C. — Mismanagement Allegations Rock University of South Carolina
In a turn of events that has raised eyebrows across the state, a recent report from the South Carolina Legislative Audit Council (LAC) has revealed that the University of South Carolina’s Office of Economic Engagement has come under fire for mismanaging a hefty $1.7 million in federal grant money. The findings from a two-year investigation have sparked serious questions about spending practices that some claim may have violated state ethics codes.
What Went Wrong?
So what’s the scoop? According to John Kesslein, the LAC Audit Manager, the General Assembly called for this audit back in 2022 to closely examine the actions of the Office of Economic Engagement, alongside the USC/Columbia technology incubator, and the South Carolina Research Foundation. During the assessment, Kesslein and his team discovered what they termed “questionable mismanagement of funds.”
“We did not believe that the expenditures were necessarily consistent with the criteria that would be applied to these expenditures if they were spent appropriately according to the grant protocol, so that was the word we chose,” Kesslein stated, making it clear that proper oversight was lacking.
Shocking Spending!
Among the costly purchases made with these taxpayer-funded grants were unopened computer labs for students, fringe benefits for employees, and even Apple Watches for university staff. Yes, you read that right! While it’s not every day that you hear about universities spending funds on luxury tech for employees, this definitely raised a few eyebrows, with many questioning if these expenditures truly aligned with the essential educational goals that the funds were meant to support.
“It’s not that this sort of thing happens every day, and it doesn’t, but these are just things that we think the money could have been spent on better or differently,” Kesslein elaborated, hinting at a larger issue regarding how public funds are being used.
What Happens Next?
Now comes the big question: what will happen with the items purchased using that $1.7 million? “I don’t know what they are going to do with those. You’d have to ask the university what their plans are for that,” Kesslein noted. He pointed out that the lack of adequate control measures raises serious concerns over how closely transactions are being scrutinized.
University Responds
In response to the troubling findings, USC President Michael Amiridis took to the press, stating, “The University of South Carolina is committed to prudent use of taxpayer funds and welcomes good faith reviews of its practices.” This is a clear nod to accountability, signaling that changes may be on the horizon.
Furthermore, Kesslein indicated that it’s now up to USC to accept various recommendations made during the audit, including the hiring of a grant administrator to ensure such discrepancies don’t happen in the future.
A Call for Better Oversight
As the dust settles on this investigation, many in Columbia and beyond are left wondering how such a significant amount of public money could be mishandled. The LAC’s report not only expresses concern over the funds but also highlights a crucial need for better oversight on state-funded projects.
In the grand scheme of things, this situation serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with managing public resources. As taxpayers, it’s our right to demand efficient and effective use of funds intended for educational purposes. Will USC rise to the occasion and ensure that future spending reflects the spirit in which these grants were intended? Only time will tell!
