Sources: Clemson Administrators Implicated In Alleged Housing Scam
Several of Clemson University’s top administrators may be making some extra bank – and we’re not just talking about their exorbitant salaries and double-digit annual raises.
If our sources are correct, they could be involved in an elaborate housing scam (and cover-up) enabling them to personally profit off of official University business.
The controversy centers around a company called Clemson Academic Ventures, LLC – which was incorporated in September of 2008 by developer Tom Winkopp.
Winkopp is the man responsible for “Highpointe of Clemson,” a luxury student apartment complex located two miles from the University campus.
Highpointe is the residence community where incoming “Bridge Program” students – or students aspiring to transfer to Clemson from nearby Tri-County Technical College – are required to live beginning this fall.
In fact, four hundred Bridge Program students will be required to live at the development starting this August.
Now here’s where it gets interesting …
A Clemson University employee searching the local Register of Deeds website last fall found the names of Dori Helms (Clemson’s Provost), Carl Helms (her spouse), Debbie Jackson (Vice-Provost and Assistant to the President) and Verna Howell (Associate Vice-President) listed as owners of condominiums at the Highpointe development.
When the employee passed this information up the food chain, however, the names of these administrators quickly disappeared from the website – and were replaced “Clemson Academic Ventures, LLC.”
Multiple sources have now confirmed to FITS that prior to the switch – each of these names were at one point listed on the Oconee County Register of Deeds website as being property owners, and that each of these Clemson administrators indeed has a vested interest in the development.
So why did their names vanish so quickly?
According to our sources, these Clemson officials didn’t want it to become public knowledge that they might have been involved in official University business aimed at guaranteeing their personal real estate investments (Clemson Academic Ventures is backed by a $2.1 million loan from the Greer State Bank) and creating substantial personal financial gain for years to come.
Helms, for example, would have had to personally sign off on all new program contracts and requirements in her capacity as Clemson’s Provost – including the $2,880 per semester in lodging costs that “Bridge Program” students must pay, as well as an additional “Highpointe Academic Facilities fee” of $285.
That’s a total of $3,165 per student – and at 400 students, that’s $1.3 million a semester – meaning that Highpointe would have its loan paid off during its first year of operation.
No one associated with the deal is talking, but after one of our inquiries into the matter last week a Tigertown source said the school’s top brass were “apoplectic” about the revelations breaking on FITS, which is obviously quite well-read in the President’s Office.
Already facing University-wide outrage for its bureaucratic boondoggling, Clemson’s administration can ill afford another major scandal.
It remains to be seen whether this one will blow up in their faces or not, but if Helms and others were directly profiting off of decisions made in their official capacities, they should not only be fired but brought up on charges.
Stay tuned …
WEB EXTRAS:
Highpointe of Clemson (Official Website)
Clemson University Bridge Program (Official Housing Information)
Clemson University Bridge Program (Official Costs Information)
Comments
By Mike on March 23rd, 2009 at 12:14 am
A related question is whether or not the SC mainstream media will give this the attention it obviously deserves, or will they ignore it by using their tired excuse that if it broke on FITS “it’s not real news.” Maybe they’ll use their other tried-and-true tactic: Waiting long enough to initiate their coverage that any initial furor subsides.
By Joey on March 23rd, 2009 at 12:22 am
These guys are in it up to their eyeballs. They don’t even remember they are spending other people’s money. We are investing hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars in our “knowledge-based” economy, and it is the three university presidents, Leatherman and Harrell who are in charge of the whole damn thing, funneling money into special funds and projects. They all need to be fired, the universities need to get back to academics and put every dime of their spending online. Then the legislature needs to get the hell out of the business of private enterprise, get off their lazy, corrupt rear-ends and change the tax code and comb through every single line dime in that budget and cut out the waste. Good job, Will, you need to stay after this. Bad business and gonna kill our state.
By Angelina on March 23rd, 2009 at 12:31 am
As Brad Warthen said today in his final, final column: let the university presidents drive the economy. Wow. I am going to miss him so much! That’s the kind of sensible thinking he always brought to the table. I mean, these guys are naturals to create innovative, consumer-driven markets, right?
Yeah. We got Enron U in the Upstate, AIG University in the Midlands and PMSC Med School down in the Lowcountry. Perfect! Everybody’s on the same page. All coordinated in style by the SC General Assemblitburo.
Brad, you would be a great addition to the Palmetto Institute and I mean that. They pay a lot of money for big ideas like yours.
By lou on March 23rd, 2009 at 7:21 am
everybody is in on the greed
By CL on March 23rd, 2009 at 8:21 am
Wouldn’t a simple trip to the register of deeds office clear up any ambiguity as to whether “they might have been involved?” I doubt Clemson has the pull to make a deed disappear if they did in fact own units in the development. Even if they have since sold them to the LLC, the old deeds will still be in the chain of title.
By franksboy on March 23rd, 2009 at 8:36 am
There should be no doubt in anyones’s mind that we would have to search far and wide to find any bright spot, honesty, truth or honor in this Clemson Administration. After what we’ve seen and experienced in unethical and immoral behavior, illegalities are certainly no surprise. Employees have been sexually and emotionally assaulted, harassed, retalliated against and bullied for years with no help given. Despite cries for help, pleas for fair treatment, Barker has continually chosen to look the other way and have his henchment “make them go away”. Now, to see this same group blantantly and illegally taking advantage of their positions/power/infuence to gain personal wealth would be the norm rather than something unusual. Don’t let this get in the “make it go away” chest of Mr. Barker and gang. Fight for the human rights of the Clemson employees, refuse to let discrimination and hostilities toward those who ask for help continue. And, bring to the cold light of day, the favoritism, nepotism and pay offs that are rampant in our University.
By Eldridge Shaw on March 23rd, 2009 at 8:53 am
FITS missed a main issue that should come into play and all you have to do is look at Tom Winkopp web site to see it. Says there that Tom sits on the Board of Tri County Technical College. What a sweet deal, require the bridge students to live in your development.
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' on March 23rd, 2009 at 9:16 am
Looks like somebody needs to sic the Charlotte Observer on Clemson, because once again La Socialista is playing nice. If it had not been for the Observer, Jim Holderman might still be around USC.
By Philip Branton on March 23rd, 2009 at 9:21 am
Check out who did the Electrical work ………
Check out who will get the “regime” contracts….
Greer State Board members tailgate ….where??
“Wonder Woman’s Lasso” will be needed for the LAWYERS involved ….there is a common thread back to …..where ??
….on a side note, see how the funds from TRASH haulers associated with a number of “SCHOOLS” ties this package of “Joy” into a nice GIFT for …..WHO???
By The Hammer on March 23rd, 2009 at 9:31 am
Maybe the Charlotte Observer or Atlanta Constitution should be contacted? The state newspapers are not going to go near this.
People should go to jail if this is true.
Turning students into indentured servants is no way to run our public education system.
By Philip Branton on March 23rd, 2009 at 9:56 am
Ah ….yes…
the “Ties that bind”……
…..if only the BRASS at UPSTATE Forever knew how they were being played….OR are they..??? Let’s not forget certain parcels that were NOT included..???
…the extra curricular activities of “GREEK Heritage” have been quite “Bankable”…!!!
…the “Cookie Cutter” has been busy at a NUMBER of other college “OVENS”..!!
By ROD on March 23rd, 2009 at 10:45 am
You are correct CL. Names do not disappear from record. Even if they transferred it to the LLC, the prior deeds are still there.
By DJ on March 23rd, 2009 at 11:39 am
ahhhhh…good job Fits. You know you probably don’t stand a chance against the status quo – the states mainstream media and the money making universities, in getting the story the needed exposure…but I’m glad to see at least someone is taking chances.
Wonderful how everything greedy and corrupt in this economic downturn is now coming to light all over this great country…but somehow…no one in power really gets in trouble…?
I hope you guys can push these stories out into the open..
you guys should organize a tea party
By Brian Sizemore on March 23rd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Wow, and I was an intern for the ad agency that Tom Winkopp hired. I designed the logo for “Pointe Fest,” which wound up never happening anyways.
By folgers on March 23rd, 2009 at 12:54 pm
How does pres. barker live with his self smile and say no money for the backbone the working people of clemson at least I can sleep at night
By Earl Capps on March 23rd, 2009 at 1:20 pm
You know, I did the transfer route from Trident Tech to College of Charleston. They didn’t charge me any fees or put me through any long program. All I had to do was send my transcripts and I was accepted.
I think this entire “bridge” program is highly suspect.
By franksboy on March 23rd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
A man with no ethics, so conscience, no morals and who is totally self centered doen’t have any trouble sleeping. Should be doing it pretty good on those mattresses overstuffed with Clemson money, also! The man is just nothing in so many ways -
By Richet on March 23rd, 2009 at 2:40 pm
A trustee of Clemson commented on the current lawsuit against Clemson by Gene Troutman. Troutman is suing for reinstatement to his job as Executive Secretery and assistant to President Barker. He was fired after bringing to light an 80 million “slush fund.” The trustee reportedly commented that the Clemson administration didn’t need a “watch dog.” It seems they did.
By The Hammer on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Of course . someone could call Attorney General McMaster – anyone think that would do any good? I didn’t think so.
Then again, the FBI might be interested in this sort of thing- you just never know……..
By Mab on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Henry Mac is too busy getting his April Fools’ jokes lined up.
Please don’t distract him.
By Elmo on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
See how the Greenville News online reported on the bridge program just this past February- the Greenville News folks seem to love reporting on how wonderful a deal this is. They fail to inform their readers who owns Clemson Academic Ventures.
CLEMSON — Bridge to Clemson students soon will have their own academic support facility to help them in their college studies.
The 8,664-square-foot building on Old Cherry Road in Clemson will house small classrooms for tutoring, meeting spaces and offices for Bridge to Clemson staff.
Construction of the facility is privately funded by Clemson Academic Ventures, which owns Highpointe of Clemson where the facility is located, and a $285 annual student fee, said Tom Winkopp, Highpointe developer.
http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20090227/NEWS01/902270325/1001/NEWS01
By The building will be built at "no cost" to Clemson on March 23rd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Always be extra cautious when someone is telling you something will not cost you anything.
According to Winkopp,
“The Academic Support Center is being built for the Highpointe Bridge students at no cost to Clemson or Tri-County,” said Tom Winkopp, developer of Highpointe. “All costs associated with the center are absorbed by Highpointe. Students sign a lease and live here while a part of the Bridge program.”
What he might have failed to mention is who gets all the profits? Don’t worry – we are going to gouge the poor students and get them to pay for our hot lil investment deal.
http://www.clemsonwiki.com/wiki/Main_Page
I also saw where the provost, Dori Helms, has a salary as of October 2008 of
$270,389. Dam that seems like an awful lot of money doesn’t it?
By Pam on March 23rd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Seems like folks would check the facts before reporting rumors that are just not true. I went to the Oconee Record of Deeds and the people mentioned in this article did not have property at the site listed in the article. People ought to check things out before jumping on them.
By C-L-E-M-S-O-N on March 23rd, 2009 at 5:04 pm
A few points:
It is amazing to me the number of anonymous “Clemson University employees” that Sic Willie mentions in his articles about Clemson University. It really is amazing to me that “sources” are NEVER EVER mentioned on this website. It is laughable how many “contacts” University of South Carolina graduate Sic Willie claims to have at Clemson,
It is also pretty comical the number of people on this comment section who want to investigate Clemson University and the administration. Clemson and its many initiatives are great for the State of South Carolina in many ways, economically being one of them. Get real, people.
No one is making students enter the bridge program. If your son or daughter is not interested, simply don’t come. Have them go to USC, Tri-County, CofC, etc. If you don’t like the product, don’t buy it — or, in this case, don’t come to Clemson. There are 10,000 kids who didn’t get in and would love the opportunity to receive a Clemson education.
I’ll finish with a quote: “There’s always haters when you’re on top.”
By franksboy on March 23rd, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Well Pam, with all of the shady actions by Mr. Barker, Ms. Helms and crowd it’s east just to assume any story is true. And, even this one, I’d hold off denying it also – got a feeling they’re there – buried and covered as much as possible – but, betcha they’re neck deep.
By franksboy on March 23rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
C-L-E-M-S-O-N – It amazes me that you would offer up some out of the sky comment about “making someone attend the bridge program” – no one has even thought that -but, if you read the policy – it seems that the ones that do go are “made” to live in the Highpointe of Clemson Apartment complex -
It amazes me that Barker answers every question (he has had many lately) with a pat statement “the information in incomplete and misleading” – never why, any other information, no facts -
It amazes me that a President of a University can be so callously cold to the problems of his hard working, core employees – while be so blantantly lavish in his payoff to his favorites,
It amazes me how a President of a University can search for any loophole and stretch the rules and laws of the State so far – and then answer with a straght face – I asked and I was told this was OK – hiring my Son and Son in Law is not Nepotism, they won’t receive any special treatment, they weren’t given any prefreential treatment in the hiring process – the man is COLD -
It amazes me that members of his Staff can so blantantly abuse their offices and their power without any care, any attention, any discipline or any notice by the President.
It amazes me how one thing after another is being uncovered everyday and, still, we have people protecting the man – some through just being completely naive to what’s going on around them – some are simply afraid for their job – and, very obviously, some are being rewarded handsomely for their silence -
It amazes me that Clemson University does not have a President that has earned a PhD.
It amzaes me that it’s been this long and the Barker Gang are still running our University.
By C-L-E-M-S-O-N on March 23rd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
franksboy – It amazes me that you believe “Sic Willie” (the laughingstock of SC politics, USC graduate, one who never reveals any of his “sources” etc.) over an administration who has brought Clemson from a party school to a reputable top-22 university.
Really?
By Flat GILLIG on March 23rd, 2009 at 7:31 pm
LOL at thinking the Highpointe costs $2.1 MM to build when a single unit in the building retails for between $195,000 and $205,000 and you would need 100 of them to house the entire Bridge Program.
There are still plenty units left for sale at the Highpointe.
By franksboy on March 23rd, 2009 at 10:03 pm
C-L-E-M-S-O-N – if it were any administration, I’d have to give them a benefit of a doubt – but, where this one is concerned – this one, made up of people would would stop at nothing, would stoop to any level, would tell any lie, would take any step if it meant a dime more entering their pockets, a smidget more power would be placed at their disposal and any touch more of the good life could be enjoyed by either of them.
A group that ignores emotional rape, looks over sexual assault, condones bullying and demeaning the defenseless, pushes every envelope to cover the ugly marks that are left by there scandalous behavior – and, who blatantly waves a “I’m above the rules, laws and people of South Carolina. I’ll do what I want, when I want and to heck with you common folk. If I want it I’ll buy it. If I can’t buy it, I’ll take it and I’ll explain by saying the information is incomplete and misleading. Believe sic Willy, I don’t really have an issue with Willy, This, ol’ boy, is not really even touching the really ugly part of this administration. As a Clemson Alumni, coming from a family of dozens of past and current Clemson students and a long time proud supporter of the University, I am continually sickened and saddened by the actions within this administration. Clemson was a reputable University long before Barker even went to school there – Barker has talked (most con artists do) a good game. I have never had anyone have any problem accepting and respecting my degrees from Clemson, have never heard anything but praise for the reputation and academics – and that goes way before RC Edwards – who had no use for Barker and his methods at all. And, you’re basing all of your exclamations of greatness on what – a magazine report?? not really!!!
By CUALUM01 on March 25th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Good going Fitsnews to publish an article on a subject that no Upstate newspaper would touch. People who do not live in the Clemson area do not understand the power and influence that Clemson has. This is the Good Old boy/gal network at its best. Could something disappear at the Oconee County Deeds office–you bet it could. It would just be placed in some out of the way file and permission reqired to see it.–I think this is a clear conflict of itnerest. Knowing this administration I would be willing to bet they did not pay full price for the condos.–What is it going to take before some State or Federal agency comes to Clemson and cleans house. I hope, for the sake of the university, it is soon.
By Scott on March 26th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
For anyone interested in the truth consider the following facts:
1) Sources are disgruntled Clemson employees whose motives are questionable. There has been no attempt by any of the sources or this site to validate the claims.
2) Chain of title to real estate exists in public records. Closing documents are signed at lawyers offices then filed with the county for everyone to see. This alleged conspiracy to hide the public records would involve attorneys, banks, title agents, and public officials across all of these supposed transactions. Quite an impossibility to erase all of these transactions from public record.
3) Per Greenville Online, other news sources, and public record, Clemson Academic Ventures owns the educational support facility that is being built for the benefit of the Bridge Program students and staff. It has nothing to do with the residences so any claim to that effect further proves that these accusations are simply false rumors started by ignorant sources with the intent of stirring up controversy.
4) As for claims that the requiring Bridge Students to live at Highpointe is somehow illegal consider the fact that they have been required to live at their current residences for the last three years of the program and have simply outgrown the housing there hence the need to move to Highpointe. Similarly, Clemson freshman are required to live on campus. The intent is to provide a structured environment with live-in RA’s and staff to ensure Bridge Students are able to successfully transfer to Clemson as sophomores. It is a proven transfer system and the Bridge program is a win-win for the students and the institutions involved.
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