MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) –
Alabama State University employees have reason to celebrate. Thursday, President Dr. William Harris announced that they’ll receive a pay raise equal to five percent.
Dr. Harris made the announcement during his State of the University address at the school’s Fall Convocation.
President Harris said he was making good on a promise to help those employed by ASU. When he previously served as the University’s president, he told employees he would get them a raise. That didn’t happen before Harris retired from the position last year. After returning following the brief tenure of Dr. Joseph Silver, Harris again made it a priority.
Harris said there is a lot to celebrate at ASU, but he also addressed the allegations made during the Silver administration of financial misconduct. Audits are underway to determine if there was any wrongdoing. Harris says he’s eager to see the outcome of the investigation.
The convocation was delayed for a short time as University Police arrested a disruptive student. The student, Mark Myles, stood up during Dr. Harris’ speech and began shouting at the President possibly in reference to matters concerning the on-going audit. Myles was detained on disorderly conduct charges.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley ordered an audit of ASU’s finances after President Silver raised questions that ultimately led to him leaving his position. There’s no word on when the investigation will be complete.
As for employee raises, Dr. Harris says they will go into effect in October.
Copyright 2013 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.