Spring Break
Former dean Jones launches new magazine
Kevin Hoffman
Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Lee Jones, a former dean and founder of the Brothers of the Academy, launched an inspirational magazine this summer, more than a year after resigning from the university under allegations of misspending his organization's funds.
"InSpire" magazine, based in Tallahasse, Fla., is described on its Web site as an inspirational publication that serves to better people's lives. Jones serves as the magazine's president and executive editor.
Jones' attorney Robert Kasieta said his client is trying to make a contribution with his new venture.
Meanwhile, the university is still in the process of tabulating a repayment figure for Jones, who resigned in March 2006 after allegations he misspent more than $50,000 from the BOTA.
Jones was demoted from his position as dean in December 2005 after an audit revealed questionable purchases on a university issued credit card. Jones resigned from his faculty position three months later.
Jones filed a discrimination lawsuit against the university in December, seeking compensatory and punitive damages, claiming he was treated unfairly during the audit. The lawsuit is still pending.
The university is also seeking reimbursement from former College of Letters and Sciences Dean Howard Ross, who was demoted to a faculty position in April 2006 after a similar audit accused him of improper use of a university issued credit card and travel purchases. The university is seeking $117,000 from Ross, who still holds his faculty position.
Kasieta said they have still not received an exact figure of how much the university is seeking from Jones in reimbursement. He said the sides will begin interviewing witnesses in the next few months.
Kasieta is uncertain of the typical timeline for calculating a reimbursement cost.
"I'm not sure what's normal for them," Kasieta said. "I've never seen them go after someone the way they are [with Jones]."
Vice Chancellor Randy Marnocha confirmed the university has not yet given Jones a figure.
"The state attorney general's office is involved with it and I don't know right now where they are in the process but hopefully they resolve it soon," he said.
Jones, Chancellor Richard Telfer, Assistant Attorney General Jack Sweeney and director of University Marketing and Media Relations Sara Kuhl could not be reached for comment.
"InSpire" magazine, based in Tallahasse, Fla., is described on its Web site as an inspirational publication that serves to better people's lives. Jones serves as the magazine's president and executive editor.
Jones' attorney Robert Kasieta said his client is trying to make a contribution with his new venture.
Meanwhile, the university is still in the process of tabulating a repayment figure for Jones, who resigned in March 2006 after allegations he misspent more than $50,000 from the BOTA.
Jones was demoted from his position as dean in December 2005 after an audit revealed questionable purchases on a university issued credit card. Jones resigned from his faculty position three months later.
Jones filed a discrimination lawsuit against the university in December, seeking compensatory and punitive damages, claiming he was treated unfairly during the audit. The lawsuit is still pending.
The university is also seeking reimbursement from former College of Letters and Sciences Dean Howard Ross, who was demoted to a faculty position in April 2006 after a similar audit accused him of improper use of a university issued credit card and travel purchases. The university is seeking $117,000 from Ross, who still holds his faculty position.
Kasieta said they have still not received an exact figure of how much the university is seeking from Jones in reimbursement. He said the sides will begin interviewing witnesses in the next few months.
Kasieta is uncertain of the typical timeline for calculating a reimbursement cost.
"I'm not sure what's normal for them," Kasieta said. "I've never seen them go after someone the way they are [with Jones]."
Vice Chancellor Randy Marnocha confirmed the university has not yet given Jones a figure.
"The state attorney general's office is involved with it and I don't know right now where they are in the process but hopefully they resolve it soon," he said.
Jones, Chancellor Richard Telfer, Assistant Attorney General Jack Sweeney and director of University Marketing and Media Relations Sara Kuhl could not be reached for comment.
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