STATEMENT FROM TRUETT MCCONNELL UNIVERSITY (TMU):
(EDITOR’S NOTE: THE NAMES OF THE TWO FORMER UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN REDACTED BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT BEEN CHARGED WITH ANY CRIME.)
“(Recently) a blogger and podcaster published serious allegations involving…a former TMU administrator and professor, related to an inappropriate and immoral relationship with an alumnus who was later employed by the University from 2013 through 2018.
While local law enforcement decided not to pursue charges, the fact remains that (his) behavior was abhorrent, immoral, manipulative and unethical. As was expressed more than once in a Friday afternoon faculty and staff meeting, we are all shocked and disgusted to learn of his secret side.
We know that you have many questions and write to share a summary of what we know:
· In February 2024, (the former employee) notified TMU leadership that he was under investigation by the White County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) regarding an inappropriate relationship.
· (He) was immediately placed on administrative leave and his employment with TMU ended in a matter of days.
· In early summer of 2024, after (his) separation from TMU, we learned that the WCSO investigation had been closed. According to a copy of the police report, a forensic analysis by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation uncovered hundreds of graphic emails sent by (him) from his personal Yahoo account, which (he) had previously told investigators were not his. The police report also states that the investigator concluded that he “does not find that there is enough evidence in the case to seek prosecution at this time” and the case was closed.
· In February 2025, an attorney for the alumnus/former employee reached out to TMU with excerpts of (his) sexually-explicit and theologically-twisted Yahoo emails.
TMU takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously. Had there been a Title IX or HR complaint filed related to this matter, (the former employee) would have been immediately investigated and ultimately dismissed.
Based on TMU’s commitment to student safety, we have initiated additional reviews by outside counsel to confirm no previous complaints had been filed. Outside counsel found no documented evidence of (his) behavior, including reviewing the computers, emails and files of former employees.
The blogger also reported that (another former employee) recently claimed to have been fired as a “whistleblower.” The facts are that he was asked to resign after a series of unauthorized, personal expenses on his University-issued credit card totaling over $12,000. In one instance, (he) charged a $7,000 personal expense to his TMU credit card shortly after requesting a credit limit increase to pay for freshman orientation expenses.(His) repeated behavior, which was flagged by the University’s external auditor, necessitated the decision to end his employment.
TMU is committed to providing a caring, supportive, Christ-centered environment for all students, faculty and staff. Our Title IX policies are regularly reviewed by our Title IX and HR teams, as well as outside counsel and third-party audits by independent experts. When complaints of sexual discrimination, harassment or other misconduct are reported, investigations are promptly initiated and timely concluded, with all parties being apprised of the status and ultimate outcome.
Truett McConnell University encourages alleged misconduct to be reported as soon as possible. Every TMU employee is trained to bring reports of alleged misconduct to the Title IX or HR office, allowing students to speak with an employee whom they trust.
We ask that you join us in praying for all those involved.”