Former Dean of Admissions Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison
A former dean of admissions at the Thurgood Marshall Law School at Texas Southern University has been sentenced to 8 years in prison. Edward Wayne Rene, who served as the school’s chief enrollment officer and assistant dean of admissions since 1999, was found guilty of abusing his power to privately enrich himself.
Background of the Case
In 2020, the FBI and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office launched a joint investigation into Rene’s activities. The investigation revealed that Rene had been involved in improper activities, including theft and sexual performance by a minor. The university had previously reported that an employee had been fired over improprieties in the admissions process, but did not specify who the employee was or what the improprieties were.
Investigation Findings
The investigation found that Rene had been involved in a scheme where students were awarded scholarships, but were then required to return excess scholarship money to an undisclosed foundation. In one instance, a student was awarded a scholarship and was required to return $46,715.43 in excess funds. In another instance, a student was required to reimburse Rene $26,942.88.
Sentence and Restitution
As part of his sentence, Rene must pay a restitution of $177,000 to Texas Southern University. The sentence is a result of his conviction on charges of theft of a public servant and sexual performance by a minor.
University Response
The university’s president, Dr. Austin Lane, was fired in February after the university’s board of regents voted 6-1 in favor of his termination. The university has cooperated fully with the investigation and has taken steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Edward Wayne Rene serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in higher education. The abuse of power and trust by a university official can have serious consequences, and it is essential that universities take steps to prevent such incidents from occurring. The restitution payment of $177,000 will help to compensate the university for the losses it suffered as a result of Rene’s actions, and the 8-year prison sentence will serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to engage in similar behavior.
