Statement from the Texas Southern University Board of Regents

The Texas Southern University Board of Regents has received initial information regarding the interim audit report from the Texas State Auditor’s Office, and has reviewed the public statements made pertaining to this initial information. We take these, and all fiscal matters, with the utmost seriousness.

An ongoing, self-initiated internal examination of the University’s procedures identified process deficiencies, and the efforts to address these were conveyed to the State Auditor’s team at the outset of this process. The Board of Regents and the University welcomed the State Auditor’s assessment on the issues now under review in the current audit. University officials have been cooperating with the State Auditor since the audit’s inception and look forward to the opportunity to meet with the state’s team later this week to review and address the audit findings, as well as presenting the University’s reform efforts already underway.

The Board fully acknowledges that Texas Southern has faced historical challenges related to financial oversight, procurement practices, and compliance with prior state audits. These issues have persisted across multiple administrations and now are being addressed. The Board has been focused on corrective actions, and will continue to do so, as follows:

1. Cooperate fully with the State Auditor’s Office and all state authorities, and provide access to all requested financial records;
2. Work closely with state officials to implement corrective actions for any cited process concerns, and collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure accountability for any potential errors in University policies or procedures;
3. Accelerate the internal reform efforts already underway at the University to modernize financial systems, strengthen procurement and contracting controls, and improve institutional accountability; and
4. Maintain transparent communication with the Legislature, state leadership, and the public throughout this process.

The Board remains committed to build confidence in Texas Southern University’s stewardship of public resources and fulfilling our mission to provide quality higher education to our students. We believe that full cooperation and transparency are essential to trust and securing Texas Southern’s future as a vital institution for Texas. 

– James M. Benham, Chairman
Texas Southern University Board of Regents