Issued Nov. 14, 2007 Last Friday, Tufts University terminated the employment of Ms. Jodie Nealley, who served as Director of Student Activities. A preliminary audit conducted by the university's Audit & Management Advisory Services Office found that Ms. Nealley had misappropriated, over a period of time, a large sum of money from revenue-generating activities and accounts under her control. Ms. Nealley admitted her responsibility to me and other senior administrators. The Audit & Management Advisory Services Office now estimates the amount taken to be approximately $300,000. We are shocked, disappointed and angered by Ms. Nealley's actions. She breached the trust that all of us at Tufts had placed in her. The university has referred the matter to the office of the Middlesex County District Attorney, which has opened an investigation. Tufts will cooperate fully with that investigation.
Tufts will ensure that no activities or student organizations will be financially impacted because of Ms. Nealley's actions. My office will manage that effort. We are grateful to Paul Tringale, who directs conferences and summer programs and orchestrates Commencement, for his willingness to serve as the interim Director of Student Activities as we undertake a search to find a new director. Ethical behavior is critical to the functioning of our community. Each of us has a responsibility to act with honesty and integrity and to expect that others will do the same. The university's Audit & Management Advisory Services Office is continuing its investigation into this matter. That office will also do an exhaustive review of existing financial policies, procedures and controls relating to student organizations and activities and will recommend any changes needed to strengthen procedures to protect against misuse of university resources.
