Jan 5, 2025 Story by: Editor
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Tennessee Black Caucus has sharply criticized Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower following his remarks about the former president of Tennessee State University (TSU) and his suggestion to sell its downtown real estate.
Since November, the state has been in discussions about the financial situation of the historically Black college. TSU had been quietly requesting financial assistance from the state, especially after struggling to make payroll in November. The school faced a projected $46 million deficit by the end of the academic year if no intervention occurred.
In a December meeting with state leaders, Mumpower addressed the university’s financial issues and criticized former TSU president Glenda Glover. “To work with the Attorney General’s office to cancel the contract of the previous president, who has made out like a bandit while leaving only a legacy of dysfunction,” Mumpower said. Glover has faced scrutiny for mismanagement of the university’s finances prior to her departure.
During the meeting, Mumpower asked interim TSU President Dwayne Tucker whether the university was willing to sever all ties with Glover, including her negotiated exit agreement. “Are you as a university and a board finished with your association with the previous president in every way?” Mumpower inquired. Tucker confirmed the break, stating, “Yes,” when asked if all benefits, including parking privileges and access to Titans football tickets, were being revoked.
Rep. Vincent Dixie, a Nashville Democrat and Treasurer of the House Black Caucus, expressed his disapproval of Mumpower’s tone and line of questioning. “I find it offensive, very offensive,” Dixie stated. He acknowledged that Glover had made mistakes during her tenure but defended her overall contributions to TSU. “She brought TSU into a national conversation,” Dixie said, emphasizing that Mumpower’s approach tarnished her legacy.
In addition to the financial concerns, the Tennessee Black Caucus expressed concerns over Mumpower’s suggestion that TSU sell its downtown Avon Williams campus as part of the university’s financial recovery. The campus, which was acquired through a legal settlement to address past racial inequalities in state funding, has long been an essential asset for TSU.
Dixie firmly opposed the idea, describing the property as “prime,” adding, “Why would they sell those assets that could be beneficial in the future?”
Mumpower responded to the Black Caucus with a detailed letter defending his position. He acknowledged the importance of TSU to the state and the need for tough financial decisions. “TSU is facing a critical situation, and this is the time to ask tough questions and for university leaders to make difficult choices,” Mumpower stated. He also reiterated his criticism of Glover’s financial stewardship, stating, “There is clear and overwhelming evidence that her administration placed the university in financial peril.”
In his letter, Mumpower also addressed the decision by the new TSU administration to end its relationship with Glover. However, Dixie expressed dissatisfaction with how Mumpower handled communication with the Black Caucus, particularly noting that Mumpower did not directly send his response to the Caucus before it was made public. “I sent you the letter way before I sent it to the media and you didn’t give me that same common courtesy. That goes to show the lack of respect he has for black leadership,” Dixie said.
The ongoing debate over TSU’s financial stability and leadership continues as the state looks for solutions to address the challenges facing the institution. Source: News Channel 5
