Former Arkansas State University Chancellor Tim Hudson has repaid the $1,671.92 he was reimbursed for lodging in Mexico after an internal audit revealed that Arkansas State University Campus Querétaro (ASUCQ) partners in Mexico had already covered that expense.
Arkansas State announced the results of the audit on Monday. It said it asked Hudson by email on Oct. 24 to repay the money, and that the university received a check from him on Nov. 1.
In a news release, ASU System President Chuck Welch said there was no finding of wrongdoing by the university’s partners in Mexico, where the university has partnered on a new $75 million campus set to open in the fall of next year.
More: View the complete audit report here.
“It is important to note that at no time was there ever any suspicion, or finding, of wrongdoing by our ASUCQ Mexico partners,” Welch said. “To the contrary, they have been very transparent and eager to assist during this matter and throughout our leadership transition.”
The audit comes after a previous audit that included notice of possible violations of state law concerning Hudson’s efforts to get financial assistance for a family member. It also found problems in Arkansas State’s study-abroad program, which was led by Hudson’s wife, Diedra.
Hudson resigned in August after news reports disclosed the first part of the audit, which focused on the study-abroad program.
Jeff Hankins, ASU’s vice president for strategic communications and economic development, said Welch requested the review after learning of irregularities in Hudson’s travel reimbursements.
The audit report recommended the university do the following to prevent future problems:
- Include a statement from the traveler on the transaction reimbursement form certifying the expenses listed for reimbursement were paid by the traveler;
- Require proof of ownership of the credit card number listed on the paid receipt with any exceptions fully documented and approved; and
- Review the university’s travel reimbursement policy and travel guidelines to ensure that all campuses comply.
Hankins said those recommendations would be followed and no other audits related to Hudson are underway or expected.
Welch has submitted the final audit to the university’s board of trustees and the Bureau of Legislative Audit.
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