Houston Chronicle
A former Texas Southern University official at the center of an admissions scandal in the law school has been sentenced to eight years in prison.
Edward Wayne Rene, 57, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to felony theft and a separate charge of sexual performance by a minor. The former admissions dean was ordered to pay Texas Southern $177,000 in restitution, according to the FBI Houston office.
The scandal at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law unfolded in early 2020, in an ugly public dispute that cost Rene his job and led to a six-figure salary buyout for university President Austin Lane.
As concerns about the qualifications of some admitted students came to light, Lane was fired for failing to notify the school’s board about “fraudulent and dishonest activities” in the law school’s admissions process. Ultimately, the board found no wrongdoing on Lane’s part, according to a settlement reached weeks later.
Prosecutors filed formal charges against Rene later in the year, alleging that he stole thousands of dollars in scholarship money by inflating financial awards for two students and pocketing the excess funds.
Texas Southern University officials acknowledged the sentencing in a statement Thursday.
“The University is pleased with the outcome of this case and commends the efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system in ensuring justice was served,” the statement reads. “This was the misconduct of one individual and does not reflect the values, culture, or commitment of the dedicated faculty, staff, and leadership at Texas Southern University. We remain steadfast in our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of ethics and accountability.”
“This case serves as a reminder of TSU’s firm commitment to transparency and to being responsible stewards of the public trust and resources provided by the State of Texas,” the statement continues. “Any employee who engages in financial impropriety will face appropriate consequences through legal and institutional processes. Texas Southern University remains focused on its mission of excellence in education, public service, and integrity in all operations.”
