Budget Cuts Threaten New Ombuds Position at Alabama State University

A continuing budget problem at ASU may endanger the university's first Student Ombudsman.  A current year shortfall of $8-12 million prompted at least one trustee to question the need for an Ombuds, who was hired less than a month ago.

Money wasn't the only concern Trustee Herbert Young had about the new Ombuds:

Young also raised questions about a newly created position — student ombudsman — that will be filled by Terri Hackett. In that position, Hackett essentially will serve as a voice for students and earn approximately $70,000, plus benefits.

“It’s a created position to help a friend (of Boyd’s) — let’s call what it is,” Young said. “This is the sort of thing that got us in trouble before. It’s not right, not when we’re looking at over $20 million in cuts.”

The issue of Hackett’s role at the university has been broached before, when the Montgomery Advertiser was provided contract documents in July showing she was given a $5,000-per-month position to evaluate student services at ASU.

(Montgomery Advisor.)

Related: Job Posting.