Story by Speakin’ Out News staff (SOURCE: WAFF 48 NEWS)
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – A group of Oakwood University (OU) alumni and former faculty members has publicly called for transparency from the university’s leadership regarding its financial standing and addressed allegations of administrative misconduct. The move comes in the wake of concerns raised by the release of a 2022 audit revealing $43 million in total consolidated liabilities.
During a news conference held on Monday, members of the group, known as ‘Concerned Oakwoodites,’ gathered to express their love for the institution while insisting on the need for transparency and accountability. Co-founder David Person outlined the group’s mission, stating, “Our objective is very simple. We want Oakwood University to survive and thrive, and we believe that, in order for that to happen, there must be transparency, accountability, and corrective action taken by the Board of Trustees for this to occur.”
Person referred to the 2022 audit, emphasizing the significance of the $43 million in total consolidated liabilities. While not claiming expertise in financial matters, Person emphasized, “I do know that $43 million dollars is not pocket change.” The consolidated liabilities, typically encompassing unpaid expenses to vendors or debt owed to financial institutions, have raised concerns among the Oakwood community.
Last week, WAFF 48 News reported on a local business owner who is still owed thousands dating back to 2019 for cleaning dorms and more. Additionally, the university’s online streaming service for its radio station has been impacted due to unpaid bills. Former Assistant Director of Admissions
Former Assistant Director of Admissions, Dana Williams, brought attention to alleged administrative misconduct in the admissions process. Williams claimed that the university allowed students to register for classes without receiving their final transcripts, a practice that raises questions about the accuracy of enrollment numbers.
Dana Williams stated to WAFF 48 News, “What is happening is that when it’s time for registration because they want to be able to tout numbers that we have so many students registered for this semester or that semester, what has been done is to contact and open up registration and take the hold off.”
In response to these concerns, Oakwood leadership met with the ‘Concerned Oakwoodites’ just before Monday’s scheduled news conference. The group reiterated their commitment to the university’s success, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues to secure Oakwood’s future for generations to come. The situation remains fluid, with the university facing calls for transparency and corrective action in the face of financial challenges and allegations of misconduct.
We appreciate the invitation from Oakwood University Board Chair Dr. G. Alexander Bryant to meet with members of the Board regarding our concerns. We view it as a modest first step, though we believe it could have been more productive.
While we thank the board members’ for listening to and engaging with us, we are disappointed that we left without a board commitment to a specific course of action nor a timeline for receiving one. The good news is that while the Board deliberates, Concerned Oakwoodites also will be contemplating our next steps.
Hopefully, we can find common ground with the Board moving forward. But if not, we will remain vigilant in our efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and corrective action at our beloved Oakwood University.
