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Board of Trustees Vice-Chair Trudy Harper will lead the inquiry into research misconduct at Tennessee Tech.
Under Tennessee Tech Policy 780 on research misconduct, the president leads any potential inquiry. But President Phillip Oldham recused himself in February. He said he wanted a totally independent view of what happened.
The policy did not outline who would lead the work should the president not be involved. Harper will take over Oldham’s role for only this inquiry only and a possible ensuing investigation.
The board voted 6-1 with two trustees abstaining Thursday.
The case involves research related to Fitzgerald Glider Kits and several Tennessee Tech faculty members in the School of Engineering.
A faculty member brought allegations to the administration in late January and Oldham began looking into the matter. Though the faculty member’s names have been shared, Trustees Chair Tom Jones reminded the board that policy 780 requires confidentiality to protect the researchers.
Because of that confidentiality and open meetings laws, Jones said the entire board nor the executive meeting could undertake the inquiry.
Jones said he considered leading the work as board chair.
“My problem is I do have another life,” Jones said. “My professional life is quite time consuming. I have too much travel to even consider it at this point.”
Professor Of Nursing Dr. Melissa Geist voted against Harper’s appointment. She said she worried that Harper’s work at the School Of Engineering could bias the inquiry. Harper teaches one class per week at the School of Engineering.
“I don’t know any of the individuals involved in this research,” Harper said.
Trustee Johnny Stites said he hoped Harper could not only lead this inquiry, but also suggest how Tennessee Tech can improve its procedures going forward.
The research found trucks outfitted with glider kits, like those made by Fitzgerald Glider Kits, run as clean as new truck engines. Many have disputed that research.
Jones said the inquiry could take as long as 60 days. He said the policy calls for a 30-day decision process. At that point, Harper could make the decision to launch a full investigation. Jones said that could last 120 days.
Tennessee Tech Policy 780 “allow(s) university community members to express concern and initiate an inquiry. The policy affords all complainants, respondents, and witnesses the broadest opportunity for confidentiality consistent with federal and state laws.”
