Pa. Auditor Calls on Penn State to Reform Governance in Scandal’s Wake

Pennsylvania’s auditor general, Jack Wagner, on Wednesday called on Pennsylvania State University to reform its governance structure in the wake of the Sandusky sex-abuse scandal, recommending that the university reduce the size of its Board of Trustees and remove its president as a member of the governing body. Mr. Wagner laid out more than two dozen recommendations in a 124-page report that addresses what it identifies as deficiencies in the governing board’s structure. The document expands on some of the recommendations Mr. Wagner made in July, and is meant to accomplish other goals besides those outlined in Louis J. Freeh’s scathing report, which implicated top Penn State officials in the scandal. The auditor’s report acknowledges that its proposals cannot make another Sandusky scandal impossible, but it says the changes could “reduce the potential for breakdowns to remain undetected and will add needed transparency to this flagship public university.” In a statement cited by the Centre Daily Times, the university said it “welcomes” Mr. Wagner’s findings and will “conduct a thorough review.”