So Western Kentucky University Joins University Of Louisville In Grants Fiasco? Whose Next?

A while back when the news broke that University of Louisville was investigating one of its own, Robert Felner, now former Dean of the school of education, over allegations of fraud with federal grants, I mentioned that the University of Louisville was correct to want to appoint a grants auditor, while "encourag[ing] other schools to do so".

I also mentioned that the investigation has taken a BIZARRE twist, and wondered out aloud "what else may be lurking in the corridors of other institutions of higher learning".

Well, someone MUST have been reading my posts because it appears that Western Kentucky University may have its own problems, too.

Now, this one involves the activities of Katrina Phelps, a Professor in the Psychology Department, who was the Director of the Alive Center, in charge of federal grant that "provided structured activities for at-risk youth during out-of-school hours", and who abruptly resigned last year with the following statement:

“It is with deep regret that I tender my resignation from my faculty position at Western Kentucky University effective at the end of the fall semester ... My tenure at Western has been most rewarding and I wish you and the entire department continued success in your academic endeavors.”

Now I know Katrina well, and I have served on various local organizations with her.

In fact, she and I were Founding Directors of the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center, and she and I both served as Presidents of the Center's Board of Directors.

So you can understand my reluctance to jump into conclusions, preferring instead to wait UNTIL the investigation is complete, but still reporting the allegation for your information.

Stay tuned.