Tennessee State University leaders address accountability and policy updates during audit meeting

In a pivotal meeting held on June 12, 2025, the Tennessee State University (TSU) Board of Trustees engaged in a candid discussion about the pressing need for accountability and the overhaul of policies and procedures within the institution. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as board members and university leaders acknowledged a culture of lax accountability that has historically plagued the university.

The conversation began with a stark assessment of the current state of affairs. One trustee emphasized the necessity of placing the right individuals in leadership roles to foster a culture of accountability. "Once you get the right people in the right job, the accountability comes with that," they stated, highlighting a systemic issue where procedures were not consistently followed, leading to a lack of accountability across various departments.

The board recognized that the existing policies, while present, were often ignored due to a failure in enforcement and communication. A new initiative was introduced to streamline and update these policies using a centralized system called Policy Tech, which aims to make university policies easily accessible and understandable for all staff. This initiative is set to roll out in July, with a goal to have all current policies loaded and updated by August.

Trustees expressed concern over the significant uptick in investigations related to compliance and accountability, noting that the internal audit team has been overwhelmed with cases—many stemming from complaints that reflect dissatisfaction with management decisions rather than genuine violations. This situation has strained resources, with over half of the audit director's time devoted to investigations rather than proactive auditing.

The board also discussed the importance of training and communication in ensuring that all staff are aware of the policies and procedures that govern their roles. "Policies and procedures are only good if people know about them," one member pointed out, underscoring the need for ongoing education and reminders about compliance.

As the meeting progressed, the board approved the fiscal year 2025-2026 audit plan, which includes a focus on addressing outstanding audit findings and ensuring that the university meets compliance standards. The plan aims to tackle the backlog of required audits and improve the overall financial health of the institution.

In conclusion, the TSU Board of Trustees is poised for a significant cultural shift, emphasizing accountability and clarity in policies as essential steps toward restoring trust and efficiency within the university. The upcoming months will be critical as the university implements these changes, with the hope of fostering a more responsible and transparent environment for all stakeholders.