BY CARL SMITHNews Editor

An investigation has been launched into allegations involving misconduct between Mississippi State University Interim President Vance Watson and Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Commissioner Tom Meredith. During an emergency teleconference Saturday, the IHL Board of Trustees approved Meredith’s voluntary with-drawal from day-to day activities.

The Clarion-Ledger reported allega-

tions Saturday that Watson used MSU equipment and personnel to landscape Meredith’s Jackson-area home.

State Auditor Stacey Pickering said his office has been made aware of the allegations involving IHL and MSU employees. He said he could not com-ment any further on ongoing investi-gations.

The Office of the State Auditor investigates potential abuses of public funds. Findings from such investiga-tions can be sent to the district attor-ney for further action.

Watson issued a state-ment Friday, claiming the allegations were brought forward by people attempting to discredit him.

“I am unable to comment on any spe-cific allegations made against me because they have not been brought to me for an open and hon-est exchange,” the statement read. “I am appalled and saddened that some would come to damaging conclusions without providing an opportunity for the allegations to be addressed in per-son.”

Watson used the statement to for-mally request an appearance before the IHL Board of Trustees in Jackson

during their next meet-ing. He said he would use this opportunity to provide testimony to clear up any allega-tions.

IHL College Board President Amy Whitten said Watson has yet to schedule a time to discuss the accusations.

“We’re waiting on the state auditor’s report,” she said, “but as the MSU interim president, he’s certainly enti-tled to approach us for discussion.”

Watson has been unavailable for comment since Friday’s statement.

Also on Friday, Meredith issued a statement addressing the situation.

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BY AUBRA WHITTEN | Staff Writer

Presidential hopefuls Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama discussed foreign policy in the first presidential debate of the campaign season Friday. The debate was held at the Ford Center at The University of Mississippi and broadcast through na-tional television outlets.

Exact numbers have not yet been released, but the event drew thousands of students, families and media representatives to Oxford over the last week.

While only media, important guests and a select few students from Ole Miss were allowed into the actual debate, thousands gathered on campus to watch the debate in the Grove on two high-definition screens and enjoy the festivities.

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Three 6 Mafia to headline Oct. 10

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DEBATE ROYALE

Trustees approve newdegrees

BY WAYNE BRAGG

Contributing Writer

The Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Education approved the addition of three new academic programs to Mississippi State University and the removal of four cur-rent academic pro-grams on Sept. 18.

MSU will offer a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology degree, a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology degree and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.

Provost Peter Rabideau said the university has permission from IHL to form these new programs, and the departments will begin to recruit students for the specifi c degrees.

“It usually takes a year for the col-leges to organize the new programs,” Rabideau said. “A good estimate for the availability of these degrees would

SEE DEBATE, 2

IHL also renames, deletes

programs

Music Makers schedules rap acts

Watson

BUD SOREY | THE REFLECTOR

Supporters gather in the Grove Friday to show support for their candidates, parties and ideologies as the national spotlight descended on Oxford. Visitors, guests and journalists from around the nation visited Ole Miss this week for the first presidential debate of the year.

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DAWGS INBATON ROUGE‘BLUES’ HOOKS THEATRE

IHL commissioner steps down temporarily while probe continues

Investigation targets Watson, Meredith

Meredith

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BY PATRICK YOUNG

Staff Writer

Multi-platinum selling rap group Three 6 Mafia will join Chamillionaire and local artist Ambrose Gardner for a performance at the Humphrey Coliseum Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. The concert is presented by Music Maker Productions.

Student and general public tickets will go on sale Thursday at 8:30 a.m. at the Bryan Building ticket office. A limit of two student tickets can be pur-chased for $18 each with a valid MSU identification card.

General public tickets are $28 and can also be purchased by calling the Music Maker office at 325-2930 or by visiting mstateathletics.com.

Music Makers adviser Samantha Musil said organizers wanted their first major concert event of the sea-son to coincide with an SEC football weekend.

“We are hoping to make this concert SEE CONCERT, 3

Rabideau

Thousands flock to Ole Miss for first presidential debate