An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has resulted in the indictment of Nadia Wilson, a former nursing assistant professor at Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis, Tennessee.
Wilson served as the faculty advisor to the college’s Student Nursing Government Association which serves as the representative voice of the nursing student body. The organization raises funds from student fees and fundraisers.
Wilson admitted to school officials that she had used the association’s funds for personal purposes. She subsequently resigned her position in February 2016.
Comptroller investigators determined that Wilson stole at least $10,480.82 from the association; however, the cash shortage could be greater due to the condition of the accounting records and missing receipt books. Investigators noted the use of cash, check card purchases, and ATM withdrawals. Wilson admitted to investigators that she took the funds during a period of personal financial hardship.
Although Wilson has repaid the association $5,300, a cash shortage balance of $5,180.82 still exists ($10,480.82 less $5,300).
In October 2017, Nadia Wilson was indicted by the Shelby County Grand Jury on one count of theft of property over $10,000. She was booked into the Shelby County Jail on November 30, 2017.
“The former assistant professor had complete control over the association’s money,” said Comptroller Justin P. Wilson. “This weakness comes up time and again and invites trouble. Financial responsibilities must be separated between multiple people to allow for good checks and balances.”
To view the investigation online, go to: http://www.comptroller.tn.gov/ia/.
If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of public money in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at (800) 232-5454, or file a report online at: www.comptroller.tn.gov/hotline. Follow us on twitter: @TNCOT
STATEMENT FROM SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE:
Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury released a report earlier today concerning an investigation Southwest Tennessee Community College launched in February 2016 when members of Southwest’s Student Nursing Government Association (SNGA) notified College officials of possible misappropriation of funds by a College employee who served as their club advisor. Southwest officials took swift, corrective action. The College halted SNGA’s financial activities, launched an internal investigation, notified Tennessee Board of Regents officials and cooperated fully with their investigation and imposed strict internal controls to discourage future infractions. The employee in question admitted wrongdoing and resigned from the College before Southwest could take disciplinary action.
Southwest President Dr. Tracy D. Hall says Southwest departments, clubs and organizations are held to the highest ethical standard. “We have zero tolerance for dishonesty of any kind and hold our responsibility as stewards of taxpayer dollars and student funds in the highest regard,” she said. “I am confident the internal controls we implemented over a year ago continue to foster accountability and integrity and we are committed to absolutely following them and punishing any and all infractions.”
The stricter internal controls and protocols prohibit student clubs and organizations from operating external banking accounts and requires associated funds to be handled by Southwest Tennessee Community College finance officials, rather than club advisors and student organization officials. Club advisors also attend mandatory training sessions on financial protocols.
Since February 2016 when Southwest self-reported the infraction and fully implemented these protocols in August 2016, no other infractions have emerged and more robust checks and balances have been realized.
