The Missouri State Auditor’s Office on Tuesday released a scathing report of financial practices at Northwest Missouri State University.  The university issued a statement saying the report “assists in Northwest’s commitment to continuous improvement.”

State Auditor Tom Schweich says the university failed to solicit competitive bids for years for auxiliary services such as food service, facilities management and other contracts. The audit revealed the university extended those contracts in exchange for about 1.5-million dollars in donations and other payments to fund stadium renovations.

The audit report was also critical of numerous payments made to former President Dr. Dean Hubbard.

The former university president’s employment contract included payments which may have been in violation of the Missouri Constitution, which forbids payments to public officials in recognition of past services.

According to the auditor’s report,  Dr. Hubbard was paid $224,762 for the year after he stepped down as president.

He and his spouse also received insurance benefits for two years after his resignation as president.

Northwest paid nearly $9,000 to move his personal property and furnishings to his new residence in Kansas City.

Dr. Hubbard also received $30,000 from the Northwest Foundation in March 2009 in recognition of his 25 years of service to Northwest and to compensate him because he had not been provided a vehicle for 6 years, even though he had received $1,800 a month for a vehicle allowance.

It appears Dr. Hubbard performed some services for Northwest during the year after he resigned as president, but according to the report, it is not clear whether such services justified the salary and benefits provided.

In a news release, university officials thanked the auditors office.

“I appreciate the time and effort that went into this audit, by the auditor’s office, our Board of Regents as well as our Northwest employees,” said Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski.  “On behalf of the entire University, I thank the state auditor for providing another perspective that helps guide Northwest toward improved functions.”

“We have developed a plan of action that will set the course for considering and addressing the audit recommendations as appropriate.”

Jasinski said the University has agreed with many of the recommendations, as indicated in the report.   Several have already been addressed while others have an identified action plan with a specified timeframe.