Dr. Austin Lane, the Texas Southern University President who was put on indefinite administrative leave yesterday by the Board of Regents, may be considering a legal action. Dr. Lane, who in the first year of a three-year contract told Channel 2 News that his lawyer is working to determine if the board’s decision violated his contract.
The TSU Board of Regents had in a surprise release named Kenneth Huewitt as acting president of the school while Dr. Lane was said to be placed on administrative leave.
It may be recalled that in November, TSU made headlines over improprieties related to the admissions process. Pilot News could not determine if Dr. Lane’s suspension was related to the admission scandal. It was, however, gathered that there was an ongoing investigation by the audit committee.
Lane, however claimed he was not invited by the Board of Regents regarding any issues. Touting his stellar reputation and records, he told Channel 2 News, “I haven’t done anything and haven’t been informed of being placed on administrative leave by board on their 5-4 vote split down middle…. I expect to be reinstated immediately or paid out for the remainder of my contract for breach of contract.”
Dr. Lane was hired in 2016 to provide overall leadership and strategic direction to TSU’s prominence and brand. With the new development, the School’s Chief Financial Officer, Kenneth “Ken” Huewitt, will serve as the interim president. Huewitt is a skilled financial professional with over 26 years of experience in audit and finance. As a Certified Public Accountant, he has managed over a one billion dollar budget and the construction and servicing of several educational facilities.
The release signed by Hasan Mack Chair, TSU Board of Regents, assured in part, “We will remain steadfast and committed to student success, faculty research and scholarship, and staff development. TSU’s leadership team will provide regular updates to the campus community during this transition. We believe in every one of you and your commitment to Texas Southern University. Together, we will stand strong, united in service to our mission and vision.”
