Response Letter from OU BOT (Original Email) 10/30/23

------ Original message --------

From: Norman Jones <njones@oakwood.edu>

Date: 10/30/23 9:01 PM (GMT-06:00)

To: persondt63@gmail.com

Subject: Oakwood University Follow Up - October 30, 2023

Dear Mr. Person, Mr. Booth, Mrs. McNeil, and Mr. and Mrs. Maddox: 

We wanted to express our gratitude for meeting with the Oakwood University Board representatives on Monday, October 16, 2023. As promised, we have thoroughly addressed the specific concerns that you raised. Please find answers to your questions below: 

Question 1: “The most recent published audit, dated June 30, 2022, indicates that Oakwood has consolidated liabilities of $43.4 million. Is Oakwood financially solvent?” 

Yes, the institution is financially solvent. As per our October 26, 2023 statement to our stakeholders, the University's 3-to-1 asset-to-liability ratio confirms solvency. We have reviewed the University's financial records and found that the issue of indebtedness may have been a misunderstanding of the audited statement. We have clarified this issue in our October 26 statement. 

Question 2: “Is the institution able to pay its employees?” 

Yes, the institution has been and continues to be able to pay its employees. The University operates on an annual budget that includes employee payroll in that budget. The disruption of the payroll system related to the Cyberattack is explained in the October 26 Board Statement. Additionally, payment of employees is a part of the continuing operation of the institution. 

Question 3: “Can it pay its vendors, despite media reports to the contrary?” 

Yes, the institution can and does pay its vendors. Please see our October 26, 2023, letter regarding the missed closure of the Clean Supreme account and our apology to the vendor. However, in response, the Interim VP for Finance is monitoring and reviewing our accounts payable on an every 30-day basis.  

Question 4: “Does it have the cash flow to perform the necessary maintenance and repairs required to serve its students, despite social media testimony from students to the contrary?” 

Yes, the institution does have the cash flow to perform the necessary maintenance and repairs. Further elaboration on how such repairs are executed is indicated in that communication. 

Finally, we respond to your concern regarding the testimonies contained within the attachments to your email, namely . . .  

“We, Concerned Oakwoodites, remain committed to pursuing transparency, accountability, and corrective action. Consequently, we have attached to this email the following supporting documents:  

· An exit interview of a former employee, who provided it to us because she shares our concerns. 

· Screenshots of a GoFundMe campaign launched by an Oakwoodite on behalf of another Oakwoodite, who also happens to be a faculty member whose family is facing tragic circumstances, apparently due to an unexpected change in administrative policy. 

· Screenshots of a frank testimony by a former employee who expresses serious concerns about adherence to policy and regulations. 

Regarding the personnel matters cited in your letter, the University holds itself to the highest industry standards of employee privacy and confidentiality. If you wish to present a former employee's complaint, testimony, allegation, or assertion as support in a claim that the institution has acted inconsistently with its accreditation standards or institutional policies, please have the complainant sign the Privacy Waiver Form that will allow a transparent public discussion of said employees' assertions and/or claims.  

Privacy Waiver Consent Form 

“As a former or current student, employee, alumnus, vendor, or other person voicing a public concern, claim, allegation, or assertion involving Oakwood University, my signature below hereby grants to Oakwood University permission to publicly disclose and/or discuss any information pertinent to my statements related to Oakwood and/or concerning my relationship with and assertions regarding Oakwood University's current or past practices.” 

Signed this day 

Signature___________________(date)________

We ask that all persons voicing public concerns complete the form and return it to the Office of Human Resources via email at hroffice@oakwood.edu or fax (256) 726-7302.

Communications 

Oakwood University's Integrated Marketing and Public Relations communications typically occur on a variety of platforms, including in-person, online, and through Adventist publications. Going forward, the Board of Trustees is committed to increasing communication with the Oakwood community more widely.

We recognize the need to enhance our connection and relationship with the Oakwood University community. We will hold an International Online Town Hall on Zoom and regional in-person meetings in the remainder of 2023, 2024, and 2025 in locations across the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean with concentrations of alumni and community members. These events will provide an opportunity for a meaningful mutual conversation.

The University will coordinate its visits to alumni across the Division and around the world by conferring with elected Division, Union, and or Conference leadership in the various fields (to avoid scheduling conflicts). We also collaborate with local members of the Alumni Network for particular locations. We continue to utilize various media platforms for communication with our community.

Oakwood University is proud of its 21,000+ alumni and our extended community of parents, donors, and friends. Given the size of this community, it is helpful and necessary that a protocol is in place for our people to share their ideas, comments, and concerns with the Board of Trustees. Please share your thoughts through the website https://oakwood.edu/customer-care/.

“Success Has an Address” is the slogan used by Oakwood University. Success results from many people working toward a common goal. Our goal rests in our mission statement. The mission of Oakwood University, a historically black, Seventh-day Adventist institution, is to transform students through biblically-based education for service to God and humanity. We ask all to recommit to this mission.

Respectfully submitted, 

G. Alexander Bryant, Chairman

Leslie N. Pollard, Secretary