Clemson University administrators filed affidavits yesterday solidifying previous denials of any involvement in an alleged housing scam.
The identically-worded affidavits were submitted by Provost Dori Helms, Vice Provost Debra Jackson and Associated Vice President Verna Howell.
Submitting a separate affidavit was developer Tom Winkopp, whose “Highpointe of Clemson” development is at the center of accusations that these Clemson officials conducted official business for personal gain.
Calling the Clemson employees who made the accusations “cowards,” the school’s general counsel Clayton Steadman challenged these employees to come forward with affidavits of their own attesting to their version of events.
“It is a shame that cowards such as these individuals can spread false and hurtful mistruths about fine people such as Dr. Helms, Dr. Jackson, Ms. Howell and Mr. Winkopp and all of whom have given greatly of their talents for the benefit of Clemson University,” Steadman said.
Yet even amid such high-level push back from Clemson against the allegations, multiple new sources have contacted FITS to confirm that the alleged scandal was indeed discussed at a December 2008 meeting of the “Tiger Brotherhood,” a secret society on the Clemson campus.
You can view the affidavits below, and stay tuned for a story on the “Clemson Civil War” that provides the backdrop for these accusations.
WEB EXTRAS:
By A(nother) Citizen March 25, 2009 at 9:04 am
Does anyone really believe Winkopp’s statements that he didn’t want/expect/demand anything from being such a loyal CU supporter? He would sell his mother’s soul, except I think he signed that paper a long time ago.
Even IF none of the administrators owned condos, do they ever address the legality of requiring students to live there? Seems that here, even the best case brings some integrity into question.
Again, though, why on earth have none of our MSM papers picked this up? Best we have is the Anderson Independent? Or are they the only ones who haven’t been bought?
By PalmettoCPA March 25, 2009 at 9:16 am
Interesting wording. It’s awfully specific that it refers to not owning property in Highpointe at Clemson, and not having financial interest in the LLC. However it doesn’t refer to any prior ownership of the actual property under any other name, nor having sold anything (in an unoffical capacity of course) to that or any preceeding LLC’s.
In other words, what was the project called before it was “Highpointe @ Clemson”, and what are the tax-map numbers of the parcels of land in question? Trace the ownership, through individuals and LLC’s, for each piece of the parcel.
I can think of a half-dozen ways to profit from that development and still give that affidavit.
All I can think of after reading this saga is “the hit dog yelps”. Sounds like Folks hit a nerve with this one, and they’re doing damage/spin control.
By franksboy March 25, 2009 at 9:17 am
Clay Steadman must fancy himself somewhat of a standup comedian. None of those folks have “given” anything to Clemson, including Steadman. All have been paid way more than their “talents” deserve and, while accepting those fat checks and increases, have done nothing for the everyday, hardworking employees except forward Barker’s message of “no money available” and they are rewarded with 1% increases for Cost of Living. These, also, would have gone to Steadman, Helms and the Barker Buddies if they could find any loophole to get their greedy grimy hands on it.
Affidavits – probably worth about what the paper they’re written on. However, those allegations are the very insignicant part of the wrongs these people have and are commiting. Far worse is the belittling, harassing and discrimination against employees who are simply trying to do their job. Ignoring their pleas to be just given the opportunity to work in a fair and equal environment as opposed to the hostile surroundings they are in, being constantly badgered, bullied and demeaned.
Sams, for some unknown reason, thought someone said that they/the adminsitration was being sued by a trustee ??? She responded that they were being sued by a disgruntled employee. Sams is a simple spokesperson with no individual thought or creative talent. The Administration is being sued by an employee who was wrongfully terminated for doing nothing more than so many are afraid to do at Clemson, speak up against the autrocities. Then, as many others at Clemson, when they couldn’t run him off they fired him confident that he would just go away and their problem would be as Barkers Buddies say “made to go away”.
This group is a blight on the glorious history and reputation of Clemson Unviersity. Too many people are being sacrificed, careers ruined, reputations damaged and emotional health wrecked by this group of sinister, undercover, greedy and self centered people.
By RonPaul_2012 March 25, 2009 at 9:42 am
Please keep these stories coming! I love to see Clemson Administration officials squirming and I am a Clemson Alum. The way these officials treat students at CU is borderline fascist.
It would be great to see what their responses would be if they had to give these under penalty of perjury. I bet they would be worded a little differently.
Also, Tiger Brotherhood is a joke! They make them carry around a box of candy all day for their initiation. Then other “brothers” have to try and steal it from them. How dumb is that?
By franksboy March 25, 2009 at 10:44 am
RonPaul – I’m also a Clemson Alum – thanks for entering some frank words for this group that fancy themselves all powerful Administrators. I can only vouch for student treatment in today’s environment as I hear it from a few dozen of the relatives that either attend or recently graduated.
But, that’s very mild from the treatment of employees (those outside Barkers Buddies, their friends, girlfriends and relatives). That is where criminal behavior has and is occuring.
To think that Steadman is free to call good employees of Clemson University cowards and then be able to hold his lunch down is beyond me. He is acutely aware that anyone who critcizes, complains or objects to anything that occurs in the Administration are immediately quieted by fear of their job. They are either fired or threatened with firing, rape of their reputation or emotional battering. And, if they have nerve enough to formally grieve any situation, they are put through the same torment, acts of hostility (as childish as Asst Dept Heads driving on their bumpers to frighten, cursing them, “accidetally bumping”) and bogus rule violations. (rules that have never existed, much less attempted to being enforced in the past). Obviously, the victims have to spend effort, time, energy and emotions defending themselves against these phantom charges and rules further draining them of any job satisfaction, vision of a future or initiative.
By RonPaul_2012 March 25, 2009 at 11:12 am
Thanks for pointing this out. I know there are many faculty/staff members at Clemson that work their tails off and are then treated like garbage by the officials up Barker’s a$$. This type of harrassment should not be tolerated. The “upper echelon” obviously considers themselves above the law. Well, we all know what eventually happens to people like this when they are unmasked. They will have to resign in disgrace, then offer up lame apologies because they got caught.
By CUALUM01 March 25, 2009 at 12:16 pm
I think Palmetto CPA makes a very good point. These are very carefully worded documents. One has to wonder if they are trying to stop any further investigation.
By Just a thought March 25, 2009 at 12:34 pm
starting to sound a whole lot like holderman part deux
By Biggie Tea March 25, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I’m certainly not going to defend the Clemson administration completely, but they may not be in the wrong in this situation. The significance of the affidavits is that they are all sworn documents, subjecting the signers to criminal charges of perjury if false. Hard to beleieve they would sign these if they weren’t telling the truth. I also find it hard to believe that somehow the Univerity folks were able to make the Pickens County (or maybe Oconee County, not sure where this development is exactly) Register of Deeds change documents. The ROD could face real trouble if this is true.
Of course, none of this means that there aren’t big problems at Clemson. I’m an alum and the salary raises I’ve read about are crazy. Especially in an environment where most state employees are lucky to be keeping a job.
By folgers March 25, 2009 at 1:32 pm
one dept head says he would have to knock his teeth of and live in a single wide to be on there level
By Mab March 25, 2009 at 1:45 pm
We can only hope that if anyone IS further investigating over there — that they have already thought of the scenarios so aptly described by PalmettoCPA.
Just in case, maybe someone should tip them off.
By KWP March 25, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Why doesn’t anyone investigate the Clemson double dipping where administrators retire and then keep their same position and collect their pension and a salary like the provost for example. How can they implement a furlough and discuss possible layoffs when this sitaution is rampant. I would love for the provost to justify paying her high school educated secretary, Brenda, $75,000 which is more than some faculty members with doctoral degrees. Also look into President Barker being paid money under the table by the Foundation. It is time to penalize the fat cats instead of hurting the rest of the faculty!
By Mab March 25, 2009 at 5:50 pm
KWP,
That pay scale is based on who, not what, you know.
This “who, not what, you know” is often a thinly-veiled “bow down to me or challenge me” …or… “have coitus with me or get black-listed” -type thing.
Epidemic, but entirely predictable, around Lexington County and vicinity!
By franksboy March 25, 2009 at 10:00 pm
KWP – right on! Check many of the Admin Asst’s (now they’ve changed the names at Clemson to things like Business Manager) who over time got GED and, perhaps a little ripe info on their bosses – and make $50′s to $70′s. By the way, read the Budget presentation made by the ring leader of Barker’s Buddies, Jim himself. Warning, take something for the stomach first, it will turn on you – such laughs – how he hasn’t really added any people – folks just don’t understand reorganizations – and, these big ol’ increases were entirely justified because the BOT approved – and, it took that to attract and keep these fine minds – they’ve all been hanging around him for about 15 years now – why would they leave?? Nobody would have them but, don’t tell Jim Barker that – he just upped the salaries 25-40% – for what his ego? their greed? What it wasnlt done for – is was not done for the good of Clemson University – far from it – it took money from well deserving employee who worked every day – performed – accomplished their goals and more but, wouldn’t “put out” to a Dept Head who thinks that the campus and surrounding area is his personal sexual hunting grounds -increases of 1% – 2% – 0% – and told, mind you with a straight face – there is just no money to compensate you for your extra effort, extra results and superior performance – oh by the way, Clay Steadman – here’s an extra 25% – just for being you!! It’s a dark, sinister, sickening environment at Clemson University. Shameless – and ugly! The man and his buddies should be run off!!
By Nan March 26, 2009 at 5:43 pm
That Barker report is sickening. Yeah, Bottum, the head of IT had to paid over $300,000 because he is such a star. How in the hell has he benefited Clemson? Oh, that’s right, just in case a faculty member wants to come to Clemson because of super-computing and make $50,000. If Clemson’s admin salaries are to attract the best, then why do they have a prez that only has a masters? How can any university anywhere justify a prez without a doctorate? Isn’t higher learning the whole point? Oh, but he understands reorganization in ways most people can’t.
Be willing to cover up misdeeds, get a fat paycheck. Speak out against wrongdoing, get a pay cut.
By Scott March 26, 2009 at 9:50 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.