Westfield State University President Evan Dobelle reacts to a question during a meeting with the Westfield State University Board of Trustees this summer. Dobelle was questioned on expenses incurred for trips, lodging, and meals related to the university. (File photo by Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD (AP) — Trustees of Westfield State University are weighing action against the school’s president, Evan Dobelle, who has come under fire after reports of lavish spending during overseas travel and improper use of school credit cards.
The board could move at its meeting on Wednesday to suspend Dobelle, but his lawyer has threatened legal action if that occurs.
In a scathing letter last week, the state’s higher education commissioner Richard Freeland said Dobelle’s actions have damaged the university’s reputation.
Freeland has frozen some state funding for the university and is calling on trustees to take action on Wednesday.
Dobelle has said all his spending was strategically planned and benefited the university. A spokesman has also alleged that trustees’ chair Jack Flynn acted without authorization in hiring an accounting firm to review the president’s expense reports.
