UCA Board Member Resigns, Vendor Contract Investigation Continues

A member of the Board of Trustees at the University of Central Arkansas has resigned in the wake of a vendor-contract investigation at the school.

UCA spokesperson Jeff Pitchford says Roussel tendered the letter to the Governor around 5:00 Sunday afternoon.

KARK has obtained a copy of the letter. Roussel gives no specific reason for giving up his post, but states he is leaving for the best interest of the university.

Roussel was head of the Board when the school entered into a controversial contract with Aramark. According to Prosecuting Attorney Cody Hiland, Arkansas State Police have turned over the numerous investigation files on a $700,000 dollar deal between Aramark and UCA.

The Board of Trustees understood the $700,000 to be a grant, or gift, to the University to renovate the president's home at the college.

However, President Allen Meadors reportedly failed to tell the board the money was contingent upon a contract extension with the company.

Meadors resigned in September 2011 and received more than $500,000 as a contract buyout from the University of Central Arkansas.

Roussel spoke with the governor twice in the past week. A spokesperson for the governor declined to comment on Roussel's resignation Sunday.

Pitchford also did not comment.

Roussel could not be reached Sunday evening.