University Issues Statement
Regarding Plagiarism Allegations

 

JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2009
CONTACT: Patty Hobbs, Public Relations Director
108 Bibb Graves Hall
Ph. 256.782.8156
E-mail phobbs@jsu.edu

JACKSONVILLE, Ala.-- An Associated Press story issued on April 22 failed to provide a complete explanation of facts in regards to allegations of plagiarism against Jacksonville State University President Meehan. In response to questions about these allegations, the University has issued the following statement. Reporters are encouraged to contact Patty Hobbs (contact information above) with further questions.

Litigation is currently pending in a lawsuit filed by a JSU professor against the University claiming the professor owns plant specimens located in the JSU herbarium. Unrelated to this case, attorneys for the professor have leveled unfounded plagiarism claims against the university president. These claims have been investigated not only by the university, but by third parties and the university is completely satisfied that there is no substance to the allegations. President Meehan has been clear from the beginning that he used Mr. Boening's dissertation as a spring board for his own, and Meehan's dissertation duly credits his predecessor's work. It appears these false charges have been made in an unfair attempt to pressure the university to pay money to resolve a questionable claim regarding ownership of the plant specimens. The two matters are totally unrelated.

 

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