bernard
THEE Realist
Tennessee State University has removed Reginald McDonald, the director of its Grammy-winning marching band, and placed him on paid administrative leave as school leaders carry out an investigation, TSU interim President Dwayne Tucker announced in a news release Thursday.
"This decision concerns outstanding travel requisitions and advances and related lack of compliance with TSU policies and procedures," Tucker said in the release. "Dr. McDonald will be on administrative leave with full pay while we continue this investigation."
The band, known as The Aristocrat of Bands, is a beloved part of the vibrant culture at the historically Black, public university in Nashville. McDonald held various leadership roles with the band for the last 23 years and has served as its director since 2015, according to a LinkedIn profile under his name.
Tucker served on the TSU board from April through when he took on leadership of the university in December. He said he quickly got to work with the board's audit committee as the university faces dire financial straits after a year of major leadership upheavals. The decision to remove McDonald from his position, place him on leave and investigate came after an internal audit.
"As this is an ongoing personnel matter, I will not be able to comment further about it at this time," Tucker said in the release. "What I can say is that this difficult decision, and any that come here forward, have at their core a shared commitment to ensuring a bright and stable future for Tennessee State University."
In October, the university cut back on road games for the band as the school underwent layoffs and a freeze on hiring and nonessential spending.
"This decision concerns outstanding travel requisitions and advances and related lack of compliance with TSU policies and procedures," Tucker said in the release. "Dr. McDonald will be on administrative leave with full pay while we continue this investigation."
The band, known as The Aristocrat of Bands, is a beloved part of the vibrant culture at the historically Black, public university in Nashville. McDonald held various leadership roles with the band for the last 23 years and has served as its director since 2015, according to a LinkedIn profile under his name.
Tucker served on the TSU board from April through when he took on leadership of the university in December. He said he quickly got to work with the board's audit committee as the university faces dire financial straits after a year of major leadership upheavals. The decision to remove McDonald from his position, place him on leave and investigate came after an internal audit.
"As this is an ongoing personnel matter, I will not be able to comment further about it at this time," Tucker said in the release. "What I can say is that this difficult decision, and any that come here forward, have at their core a shared commitment to ensuring a bright and stable future for Tennessee State University."
In October, the university cut back on road games for the band as the school underwent layoffs and a freeze on hiring and nonessential spending.
Tennessee State University removes band director, launches investigation
The move comes as TSU investigates "travel requisitions and advances" and whether they complied with university rules.
www.tennessean.com
