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.
