Overview

• State legislators on the audit subcommittee voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize a deeper examination focused on governance and procurement, with particular attention to the president’s office.
• Auditors reported executive employees approved university contracts from $52,000 to $430,000 before completing required purchasing steps or oversight.
• The review found the president’s office significantly increased purchases over the past two years, including vehicle spending nearly triple the prior five-year total.
• The report recommended scrutinizing procurement policies, controls over open purchase orders, and spending and assets tied to the president’s office, along with an evaluation of governance structures.
• USU trustees, led by chair Tessa White, said they welcome the audit and are taking corrective steps, while interim president Alan Smith leads the university after Elizabeth Cantwell’s departure to Washington State University.