After Burning Through $360K of Public Money, Western New Mexico Univ President Walks Away with a $2 Million Goodbye Gift! , – Newz9

Just once you thought a hefty severance bundle could not get extra outrageous, Western New Mexico University (WNMU) President Joseph Shepard has confirmed in any other case. After squandering over $360,000 of public funds, Shepard is strolling away with a $2 million “goodbye gift,” because of the college’s Board of Regents. And no, this is not an early April Fool’s joke—you learn that proper. Read on to understand how Shepard dug deep holes within the taxpayers’ pockets.
University Funds for Personal Perks and Exotic Trips
Let’s take a second to understand Shepard’s luxurious style in journey. In one notably fancy occasion, he despatched six college staffers to the Ritz-Carlton in Palm Springs for coaching, spending to the tune of $25,500 — an quantity that would’ve simply funded a few scholarships. Meanwhile, the identical course was accessible on-line. But why accept the digital age when you may have palm bushes and overpriced cocktails, proper?
It would not finish there. A state audit uncovered a staggering $214,000 in “noncompliant” journey bills — suppose worldwide journeys, plush accommodations, and meals that clearly weren’t for the frugal-minded. Apparently, a taxpayer-funded journey to unique locales is simply half of the deal once you’re the college president. Most eyebrow-elevating was Shepard’s use of college funds to attend non-college occasions, together with a convention for his spouse, Valerie Plame, a former CIA officer.
High-End Shopping Spree
As if Shepard’s journey habits weren’t sufficient to boost eyebrows, he additionally had a factor for luxurious house furnishings — once more, courtesy public funds. Nearly $25,000 was charged to the college for customized furnishings of his on-campus residence. Shepard’s spouse did not miss out both, snagging a $1,488 oriental couch from a excessive-finish model.
The Big Exit Package
After being caught in a net of monetary misconduct, Shepard resigned from his publish as president. But the Board of Regents, seemingly keen to assist him land softly, permitted a $1.9 million severance bundle. As half of the settlement, Shepard will transition into a tenured instructing place with a wage of $200,000 yearly. He’s assured not less than 5 years within the gig, including one other $1 million to the taxpayer’s tab.
In the tip, whereas taxpayers foot the invoice, Shepard sails into the sundown with a golden parachute.