Texas Southern University Crosses Day 50 of Operation Tiger Reset

Texas Southern University today announced the status of the institution’s efforts to enhance financial controls, refine the operational business design, and institute a process of continuous improvement as it completes Day 50 of Operation Tiger Reset. Building on the foundational work established in the first 25 days, the University has advanced key initiatives to directly address the audit findings and raise institutional performance.

At the 50-day mark of the 100-day initiative, the University has completed 73% of all corrective actions associated with the audit findings, demonstrating accelerated progress. This milestone reflects a coordinated, institution-wide commitment to accountability, strengthened financial controls, and long-term operational excellence.

Key Operational Milestones

Since the 25-day update, Texas Southern has implemented several key operational advancements:

• Ascend 2030. The Board of Regents approved the University’s new strategic plan, establishing a clear roadmap for institutional progression and long-term sustainability.
• Coordinated Financial Processes. The University has reinforced its financial control environment through formalized monthly close and reconciliation processes and completed a financial systems access review to validate authorized users. The next step is the completion of a role-based systems access template under development by University Information Technology and the Office of Human Resources.
• Internal Audit Plan Modified. The board-approved internal audit plan was modified to ensure express independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the university audit response implementation.
• Establishment of a University Multi-Functional Risk Evaluation Team. A team composed of the University Internal Auditor, Chief Financial Officer, Office of Compliance, General Counsel, and University Risk Manager will take a comprehensive, collaborative approach to not only monitor, but to anticipate risk. The team reports directly to the University President.
• Workforce Management Redesign. Organizational and workforce adjustments have been implemented to better align roles, responsibilities, and reporting structures with institutional priorities, improving efficiency and accountability. This initiative will continue to be refined over the remaining 50 days of Operation Tiger Reset.
• Systems Modernization. Configuration of a new enterprise source-to-pay procurement platform was underway prior to the May 2024 notification of the State Auditor’s Office’s intent to audit the University. The procurement component of Jaggaer was completed and is in full operation. The contracting function is currently in configuration, with completion anticipated in July 2026.

Institutional Performance and Student Success

Alongside operational improvements, the University continues to demonstrate progress across all University domains. The following are illustrative of research, academic, and student success achievements:

• Texas Southern University awarded $4.7 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration
• Texas Southern University Debate Team demonstrates excellence on the global stage at the International Championship in Athens, Greece
• Texas Southern University aviation student reaches milestone in partnership with Southwest Airlines’ prestigious Destination 225° Program
• Texas Southern University achieves significant gains in student academic success metrics

“Over the past 50 days, we have seen meaningful progress in strengthening the University’s operational and financial framework,” said Regent Lauren Gore, Chair of the Audit Response Committee. “The administration has demonstrated urgency and discipline in addressing critical priorities while building a stronger foundation for the future. The Board of Regents remains confident in the University’s direction.”

President J. W. Crawford III added, “Texas Southern University is taking decisive, substantive action to drive accuracy, reliability, and precision of practice in institutional operations while staying focused on the broader purpose and mission of the University. The research, student achievement, and academic progression milestones above are merely examples of the outstanding character of this University.”

Looking Ahead

As Texas Southern moves beyond the 50-day milestone, the University remains focused on continuous improvement across operations, personnel performance, and administrative leadership.