Practically per week after firing its rodeo coach for alleged misconduct, Texas Tech’s Davis School of Agriculture Sciences & Pure Assets launched an announcement explaining why.
In line with a letter written by the Davis School dean, Clint Krehbiel, former rodeo coach Jerrad Hofstetter was fired on Sept. 5 for reported monetary and animal welfare mismanagement and failure to adjust to college insurance policies.
Hofstetter’s termination got here after an investigation by the Texas Tech College System on June 28 and by the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee on Aug. 26.
In a number of media interviews and in a recent podcast, Hofstetter has denied wrongdoing. There was an outpouring of assist on-line and within the rodeo group coming to Hofstetter’s protection – together with a petition through change.org – with advocates stressing the success the rodeo staff has seen below Hofstetter.
The A-J has reached out to Hofstetter for remark concerning the not too long ago launched letter from Tech, however has not heard again from him.
Lots of of 1000’s of {dollars} unaccounted for
The TTU System audit discovered that Hofstetter couldn’t produce receipts for greater than 300 transactions, leading to “lots of of 1000’s of {dollars}” being unaccounted for from the Rodeo Program’s accounts.
No particular quantity was given, and neither was the character of the transactions that had been unaccounted for. The A-J has submitted an Open Information Request to acquire extra particulars in regards to the alleged monetary misconduct.
Failure to maintain animals’ welfare
In line with the letter, “an IACUC investigation documented neglect and unacceptable administration of cattle utilized by the Rodeo Program. Mr. Hofstetter additionally didn’t preserve the required well being and demise information.”
Failure to adjust to Texas Tech College insurance policies.
The letter said that Hofstetter disregarded college insurance policies, together with these associated to animal care, monetary administration, and program administration, and was given “a number of alternatives to handle these points, however he failed to take action.”
The letter states that this failure to satisfy compliance compelled the college to take “decisive motion” to take care of the college’s accreditations and compliance with funding company necessities.
“This choice stems from an unwavering dedication to the integrity of our applications and the welfare of our college students and animals. At Texas Tech College, we prioritize the security and well-being of our Rodeo college students and livestock and require monetary accountability,” reads the letter.
The way forward for this system stays unsure
In closing, the letter said the school “stays steadfast” in its latest funding in this system’s success by means of elevated funding within the equestrian program’s operations and amenities. It additionally will honor all “university-awarded Rodeo Program scholarships.”
“We acknowledge it is a tough time for our Rodeo group. Please contact my workplace at daviscollege@ttu.edu with any questions or considerations. We’re right here to assist you and make sure the program’s continued success,” the letter reads.
This text initially appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: TTU Davis College releases statement detailing rodeo coach’s firing
