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Category: Readers' Opinions

■ 23 November 2009 | 5:00 AM

ODU is open book on Hamilton

RE 'HAMILTON PROBE should continue,' Nov. 18: The editorial appealed for a state ethics panel to continue its investigation of Del. Phil Hamilton and ODU's role in his hiring by the teacher training center while he was securing its funding in the legislature.

As the rector of the Old Dominion University Board of Visitors, I wish to make clear the efforts undertaken by the board and the current president to do just that.

Although news reports and editorials give the impression that an assessment of university actions was not done, the board in fact meticulously investigated ODU's role.

The university has complied fully with all requests and there is no information that has not been made public. Moreover, changes were made within the institution to ensure an issue like this could not happen again. Specifically:

nODU supplied all documents and correspondence regarding the Center for Teacher Quality and Educational Leadership (CTQEL) to media and investigators. There was no attempt to hide any information, including some e-mails that demonstrated poor judgment on the part of ODU.

nThe board completed a full investigation of the matter and issued an audit report that was made public.

nThe board passed a resolution recommended by the president requiring board approval for the hiring of legislators and other elected officials.

nThe university made changes to the administration and structure of CTQEL.

Clearly, poor judgment was exercised in establishing the CTQEL. No one is more disappointed or embarrassed than the Old Dominion University community.

But having provided every detail related to this issue, cooperated with every investigative authority and taken all the appropriate actions to ensure it cannot happen again, ODU is eager to again focus on its mission of educating students and providing economic development opportunities for the commonwealth of Virginia.

Ross A. Mugler

Hampton

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