Audit sparks questions as TSU leaders meet with students

By: KTSU2 Reporter Erin Slaughter

Texas Southern University administrators held a town hall meeting to address student questions and concerns about the university’s recent state financial audit and long term funding outlook.

The Texas State Auditor’s Office reviewed TSU’s financial reporting for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 and examined procurement and asset management practices through 2025. The audit identified weaknesses in financial controls, including inaccurate or incomplete contract documentation, delayed reporting to the state comptroller and outdated or incomplete inventories of university assets. Some invoices were linked to expired contracts, and financial statements were submitted months late.

Concerns about the audit and the university’s financial stability prompted students to seek clarity on how administrators plan to correct the issues.

TSU student Jala Hampton said she wants long term solutions rather than temporary fixes.

“This may work for a year, but five years down the line, where will we be with this?” Hampton said.

Jala Hampton, TSU Student

“Is this something we’re going to continue to nurture so we don’t run into this again? That’s embarrassing as a student of the university. But I am confident in this administration and future SGA administrations to follow up and keep it going.”

Another TSU student, Caleb Thomas, shared similar concerns and said some questions remained unanswered.

“Most questions were answered, but some were pushed aside or waved off, leaving room for interpretation,” Thomas said. “The meeting answered some questions but left a lot lingering, in my opinion.”

Caleb Thomas, TSU student

Alumna Yokika Hornsby said accountability is important to alumni and praised students for asking difficult questions.

“The young lady asked about us going under the system,” Hornsby said.

“It may not be your concern, but as you hear them and that’s their concern, that’s our concern as alums. It hangs over our heads all the time.”

Some students said that while not all questions were answered, they remain optimistic about the university’s future.

TSU student Jourdan Mathis said she is encouraged by plans for new buildings and academic programs.

“I feel confident about the things the president said, the new buildings being built and the future academic success of TSU students,” Mathis said.

Jourdan Mathis, TSU student

University President James Crawford III addressed the audit findings and student concerns during the meeting.

“I needed the deep dive. I agree with everything in the audit,” Crawford said.

“I needed the audit to able to see the things that I could not see.”

James Crawford III, TSU President

Crawford said he is prepared to address the issues and guide the university forward.

“I’m excited to meet the challenge,” he said. “The very things some of you talked about today, giving this university a continuous level of leadership to move forward.”

The audit also found TSU had not conducted required annual inventories since 2019 and cited gaps in contract approvals. University officials said they are implementing new procurement systems, strengthening internal controls and hiring additional staff to address the deficiencies.

“I asked the Board of Regents to create senior level positions that will allow me to do the job the president is supposed to do, ensuring the financial integrity of this university,” Crawford said.

James Crawford III, TSU president

Founded in 1927, Texas Southern University enrolls about 8,000 students and is one of the nation’s largest historically Black colleges and universities.

HBCUs often face long term funding disparities compared with predominantly white institutions, which can affect staffing, facilities and research capacity. National studies show HBCUs receive a smaller share of federal research and development funding and typically have lower endowments per student.

Administrators said they are addressing both the audit findings and broader funding challenges. They emphasized transparency and said students, alumni and state officials will continue to be engaged as corrective measures are implemented.

The town hall allowed students to ask questions, express concerns and hear how the university plans to strengthen oversight and financial management.