Misuse of Institutional Funds at Homer-June College: Lack of Ethical Leadership and Student Advocacy

Abstract

Homer-June College had established itself as a progressive liberal arts institution with strong ties to community development. However, the appointment of President Dr. Boone marked a pivotal shift in leadership ethos. This case study explores how Dr. Boone’s decision to prioritize personal image over institutional responsibility revealed critical vulnerabilities in financial governance and ethical oversight. It highlights the broader implications of unchecked executive authority in small college environments.

Dr. Boone’s lavish investiture became a spectacle of extravagance, with custom stage décor, gourmet catering, and a professional media production crew, all funded through institutional reserves. In private circles, Dr. Boone justified the expense as a “morale booster” and “brand builder,” asserting that visible celebrations were necessary to attract external funders. Yet no marketing or donor engagement plan accompanied the event. Faculty were not invited to participate in the planning, and students learned of the event through leaked contracts that surfaced on social media.