Gearhart requests audits of UA advancement division

University of Arkansas G. David Gearhart sent requests Tuesday morning for auditors from the Arkansas General Assembly and the University of Arkansas System to examine spending in the university's advancement division, according to a news release.

“In early July I learned that the university’s advancement division had finished the 2012 fiscal year with a deficit,” Gearhart said in the news release. “A thorough review conducted over the next few months concluded that the size of the deficit was nearly $3.3 million. As a consequence, I took certain personnel actions and shared these findings with key stakeholders and with the general public."

Officials have said the university treasurer's review of the division's spending found no misuse of funds but raised concerns about the job performance of some employees in the division.

The university has not released that report, citing the Freedom Of Information Act's exemption for personnel records.

“The university has been transparent and accountable about this situation,” Gearhart said. “I believe these audits will demonstrate that performance while still respecting the legal protections afforded public employees under Arkansas law.”

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