According to an unconfirmed report from Growth Media Firm, Talladega College is facing considerable instability, including the sudden resignation of Chief Financial Officer Sama A. Mondeh. Mondeh also held the title of Senior Vice President for Finance and Facilities. His resignation has raised alarms about the college’s financial situation, including its ability to meet payroll obligations for August.
Mondeh’s resignation was joined by Mr. Terry Smiley, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and Vice President of Eastern Market at Alabama Power Company.
The source states that the U.S. Department of Education visited Talladega College last week, fueling speculation regarding the institution’s fiscal management. Students recently received their refund checks, which had been delayed since the previous semester and they are on track to disperse refunds on time this semester.
However, reports indicate that Talladega College is facing another financial hurdle, substantial debts including an outstanding bill of over $4 million owed to a vendor supplying textbooks. Although the college has made a $500,000 payment toward this debt, uncertainty remains about its ability to settle the total amount.
Further complicating matters, an anonymous source has raised serious allegations concerning the institution’s fiscal practices. According to the whistleblower, many faculty and staff members have reportedly experienced gaps in health insurance coverage over the past year, raising concerns about compliance with employment laws.
The anonymous source claims that many students have not received federal refund checks. This includes 48 members of this year’s graduating class. The source states that these funds, along with Title III funding for educational support and McNair Scholars Program funds for disadvantaged students, were used to cover payroll obligations. Repurposing Title III money for this purpose would violate federal regulations.
The mounting financial pressures have led to unpaid vendors, prompting some to take legal action against the college.
