By Associated Press
Mobile, AL – Yvonne Kennedy will remain at Bishop State Community College to write a book on the school's history after she retires as president at end of the month, but her lawyer and two-year chancellor Bradley Byrne disagree on what her duties will be.
Kennedy's lawyer said she will also offer any advice or consultation officials at the troubled school might need as they try to move out of an extended probation.
But Byrne said Kennedy's role would be limited to writing the history of Bishop State, which is her alma mater and where she has been president since 1981.
Kennedy's retirement was announced June 28th amid investigations of financial and academic problems at the college and calls for her ouster by state school board members.
Byrne said the day after her July 31st retirement, Kennedy will become ''president emeritus,'' a designation giving her neither pay nor power at the school. He said Kennedy requested the title.
An ongoing investigation of Bishop State by the Mobile County D-A's Office has resulted in 27 people being charged with stealing more than 200-thousand dollars from the school - most of it financial aid.
James Lowe, who will become the school's interim president, said he does not think Kennedy's continued presence will undermine his authority.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)