October 29, 1999

Ex-President of Central State U. Owes Ohio $100,000, Panel Says

By SCOTT CARLSON

Arthur Thomas, a former president of Central State University, has appealed a recommendation made last month by an Ohio arbitration panel. In a non-binding decision, the panel said Mr. Thomas should reimburse the state $102,285 of the severance pay he received when he resigned in 1995.

The appeal moves the dispute to a jury trial, which is set to begin in early February.

In the midst of a financial crisis at the predominantly black college, Mr. Thomas