Schools

USF says most allegations against official unfounded

By SHANNON COLAVECCHIO-VAN SICKLER, Times Staff Writer
Published December 6, 2007

TAMPA - The University of South Florida's audit and compliance department has concluded that the most egregious allegations against the university's top student affairs administrator are unfounded.

In a report released Wednesday, auditors determined that "in most instances," university policies and procedures for spending, hiring, recruiting and employee termination were followed.

Student affairs head Jennifer Meningall was accused by former employee James Dragna of misspending, employee abuse and inappropriate hiring, among other things.

Dragna sent out a widely circulated e-mail from his USF account shortly before his one-year contract ended earlier this fall.

USF president Judy Genshaft is asking USF lawyers to explore action against Dragna.

"I'll support anyone's right to blow the whistle on wrongdoing," Genshaft said. "But I won't tolerate character assassination."

Shannon Colavecchio-Van Sickler can be reached at svansickler@sptimes.com or 813 226-3403.

[Last modified December 6, 2007, 00:23:52]