ORLANDO, Fla. — The University of Central Florida's president has offered his resignation amid an audit that revealed the school's misuse of over $30 million.
Dale Whittaker, who was confirmed as president in March of 2018, announced Tuesday that he would step down from his position according to his Twitter account.
University officials and the UCF Board of Trustees will hold an emergency meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday to determine whether Whittaker's resignation will be accepted.
"In his offer to resign, Dr. Whittaker is putting the interests of our students and the university above his own," said UCF BOT Chairman Robert Garvy. "Dale has served this university with distinction since his arrival as provost in 2014 and his selection as president in 2018. His record of achievements, personal integrity, leadership, engagement, and insistence on the highest standards of personal conduct have been recognized and admired throughout our institution, the 68,000 students we serve and the Central Florida community."
The resignation comes after a Jan. 9 audit that revealed a misuse of more than 30 million in funds. The money was designated for salaries and operational costs, but was instead spent to build a building on campus, Trevor Colburn Hall.
The decision to build Trevor Colburn Hall was made prior Whittaker becoming president.
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President Emeritus John Hitt resigned and four high-ranking university administrators were fired over the misspending scandal on Jan. 19. Chief Financial Officer Bill Merck was forced to resign as well.
Officials in Tallahassee could potentially use the audit to make statewide changes on how universities spend money.
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