Early MSC probe done

Administrator returns to work

March 10, 2006

JOEL DAVIDSON\Frontiersman reporter

MAT-SU - An initial investigation of Mat-Su College is complete, but University of Alaska officials are not saying what they found until the audit report is finalized, which could still be several months away.

Questions regarding Mat-Su College's business practices were first raised last year, when several college employees were over- and underpaid. The University of Alaska authorized an internal audit of the Mat-Su campus after the faculty union, Alaska Community College Federation of Teachers, suggested such a move.

During the investigation, former Mat-Su College Director Paul Dauphinais abruptly resigned from his post and currently remains on administrative leave. In addition, longtime Mat-Su College business manager Debbie Dickey was also placed on administrative leave.

According to a statement this week by the University of Alaska, Dickey is now back at work. Her leave, the university said, was to eliminate any questions about the credibility and integrity of the investigation.

&#8220Administrative leave is not disciplinary in nature,” the statement said. &#8220That review is now complete and Ms. Dickey has returned to work.”

On Feb. 10, Dickey was ordered to turn in her university credit card, university keys and told to leave the college campus. The next week, Dauphinais resigned and has not yet explained why.

&#8220The only person who can talk about motivation is the person who resigned,” UAA Chancellor Elaine Maimon said last month.

Dauphinais could not be reached this week for comment but University spokeswoman Megan Olson said his administrative leave is pending further discussion regarding his reassignment within the university.

Because Dauphinais' situation involves personnel issues, university officials have declined to comment further on his resignation.

University officials stated that no significant irregularities were found in Mat-Su College's business practices but the auditor does expect to make recommendations on how to improve compliance with university standards.

Contact Joel Davidson at 352-2266 or joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.