SC State trustees put president on administrative leave

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina State University trustees have voted to put President Thomas Elzey on administrative leave.

The unanimous vote came after a nearly three-hour closed door meeting Monday. The board then immediately went back behind closed doors and Elzey left saying he had nothing to say.

Elzey has nearly three years left on his contract that pays him more than $305,000 a year.

Trustees named Interim Provost W. Franklin Evans the acting president of the university.

Lawmakers and alumni are frustrated that S.C. State has $11 million in unpaid bills.

A proposal to temporarily close the university was dropped last week. Instead, a House committee voted to replace trustees and fire Elzey.

Senate President Pro Tem Hugh Leatherman also introduced a bill to fire trustees.