Colleges

Inquiry clears USF official accused of misconduct

By Times Staff Writer
Published October 11, 2007

A preliminary investigation found no truth to scathing allegations made last week by an outgoing student affairs administrator against his supervisor, University of South Florida officials said Wednesday.

Administrators have completed a "management review" of James Dragna's allegations of misspending, employee mistreatment and discrimination by student affairs vice president Jennifer Meningall.

Dragna on Oct. 3 outlined Meningall's alleged misconduct in an e-mail to dozens of USF employees.

"This review turned up absolutely nothing to substantiate any of the allegations," according to USF spokesman Ken Gullette. "No financial activity was found that violated statute, university rule, regulation, or guidelines."

But to ensure a "complete and thorough examination," USF's audit and compliance office will conduct its own investigation.

Meningall decided this summer not to renew Dragna's contract, effectively ousting him as of when the contract expires at the end of this month.

"We take any and all allegations of misconduct very seriously," Gullette said. "At the same time, we will not tolerate efforts to defame USF faculty and staff. We are exploring all legal options in response to these allegations."

[Last modified October 11, 2007, 06:59:25]