THE February 14, 1989 Vol. 87, No. 33
VISTA
Tuesday Edition
Central State University, Edmond, Oklahoma
Bellmon urges probe The following is the third of a three-part series in regard to an investigative audit of Central State University by the state auditor and inspector's office. The audit raises serious concerns over the expenditure of state funds. By Valli Covert Editor in Chief In a letter sent to the attorney general's office, Gov. Henry Bellmon has requested Attorney General Robert Henry to "determine whether lack of oversight of Central State University in addi-
discontent at CSU. "I am very happy here as dean of liberal arts. I love the faculty and staff I work with, and I enjoy the students," he said. For nearly 20 years, Warren has been involved in liberal arts at CSU. Four years ago he was named as dean of that college, and implemented such innovative programs as "The 10 Year Plan" and the "Leadership Program." Friends of Warren said applying for president at ECU was simply a good opportunity for him. They praised Warren's work at CSU and said he is an excellent candidate. "Talking about the application is something one doesn't do," said Warren. "Actually, I thought of my candidacy as something of
and could not comment. However, she said, "it is routine to turn audits over to the attorney general's office. "We will go over the audit at the Feb. 16 (regents') meeting in Ada. We have invited Clifton Scot (state auditor and inspector) and Scot Fern of the attorney general's office to attend the meeting." Fern is the attorney for the regents, Grantham said. "The average reader assumes it (the audit) is recent, but it was for fiscal year ending June, 1987. "Many things have been clarified," Grantham said in regard to allegations of misuse of public funds. Dr. Bette Leone, executive secretary of the regents, also refused comment and said it was the first time she had heard of the letter. CSU President Bill Lillard said he has not received a copy of the letter, and university officials will be happy to cooperate with the authorities. "At the (regents') meeting, we will give a progress report to the regents. We plan to report substantial progress," he said. Regents' President Jack Annis and Fern could not be reached for comment by press time. In the letter Bellmon also asks the attorney general to "investigate facts supporting this audit to determine whether the state should act to recover improperly spent funds or to bring other legal action. If such actions are indicated, please commence
Please see Warren on page 8.
Please see Audit on page 8.
tion to oversight deficiencies at Nortwestern Oklahoma State University and Southeastern State University warrant the initiation of removal action against any or all members of the Board of Regents for Oklahoma Colleges." The letter, dated Dec. 20 and received by The Vista last week, says the audit raises serious questions concerning expenditure of public funds. Linda Grantham, chairman of the regents' audit committee, said she had no knowledge of the letter
Dean among those seeking ECU post By Kristi Kirk Staff Writer Dr. Clif' Warren, Central State University dean of liberal arts, has applied for the presidency of East Central University in Ada, along with nearly 80 other applicants rom across the country. Dr. Stanley Wagner retired as president at ECU a year ago, and Dr. Joe Parsons, former vice president of student affairs, stepped out of retirement to become the university's interim president. The Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges may make the final selection for a new president in May, a spokesperson for the board said. Warren said he applied for the position in November after friends suggested he would be a good candidate. He said the application was no reflection of
Joan Smedley stands in front of her painting "Centennial
Crowding still likely, legislature may help By Kamal Mazlan Staff Writer A shortage of classroom space will probably continue to be a problem at Central State University for the next two years, but several projects to alleviate this problem after 1990 may be approved by the state Legislature in May, President Bill Lillard said
last week. "Our need for classroom space is a number one priority. Overcrowding at CSU is not the most desirous situation, but we make the best of it we can as a family. It's better to rent space than to turn away students," Lillard said. Please see Crowded on page 3.
Valentine's Day has varied recognition By Kamal Mazlan Staff Writer Valentine's Day is a lovers' festival—a day on which lovers traditionally exchange - affectionate messages and gifts. Some people will celebrate the day with style and grace, some will just send cards, and others just can't be bothered about it. "I think it's nice to step aside and express your feelings to your wife, your sweetheart, your daughter, your loved ones. I think we should do it more than once a year, every day in fact," CSU President Bill Lillard said of Valentine's Day. "Usually I celebrate the day by taking my wife out to dinner, and quite often we have a big dinner on campus. My wife and I don't exchange gifts. As the presidency of
In
Guthrie," which is on display in the library. Please see related story on page 3. (Photo by Daniel Smith)
CSU is time consuming, I've no definite plans for Valentine's this year. I'm sure my wife understands," Lillard said. His wife, Mary Helen, was a CSU honors graduate with a double major in general science, and health and physical education. She is a retired teacher from the Oklahoma public school systems. "That's how I first met my wife, actually. After I came out of the navy in 1947, I taught history and government at Capitol Hill High School, and she was teaching health and physical education in the same building as mine. "The school had a policy that no two members from the same family could teach in the same building, so I had to teach in another building," Lillard said."
Lillard said he then worked on his master's degree at Oklahoma University, which he completed in July 1950. A month later, he was married to Mary Helen. Their only child, Louise, died in an accident when still a freshman at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She was 18 years old. "We missed her very much and we still do. But the hurt and pain is now somewhat less because of our association with young students at CSU. Meeting and talking to young people is an immense pleasure for us as parents," said Lillard, who has been married for 38 years. Willie Maxwell, CSU food service director, said that Please see Valentine on page 8.