HOUSTON
Former Gov. Mark White testified on behalf of Texas Southern University’s ousted president on Tuesday afternoon during her financial mismanagement trial.
White’s testimony was part of the defense’s argument that the money Priscilla Slade spent was for the benefit for the financially strapped university, the Houston Chronicle reported in its online editions.
Slade is accused of misspending school funds to lavishly decorate her home, charged with misapplication of fiduciary duty, a first-degree felony punishable by life in prison.
During her trial, Slade’s defense attorney Mike DeGeurin called White to testify about state funds and donations to the university.
“Texas Southern University has always been underfunded,” said White, who was governor from 1983 to 1987. “That hasn’t changed since my day.”
Earlier in the day, state Rep. Sylvester Turner testified about how much money Texas provided to the university during Slade’s tenure. The Houston Democrat also testified for Slade’s defense.
