UI administrator who raised alarm victim of change

MOSCOW, Idaho – Restructuring of the University of Idaho’s financial operations has eliminated the job of an administrator who raised early questions about the school’s troubled University Place project in Boise.

Wayland Winstead had been the school’s director of institutional planning and budget.

“I think what we have here is the continuation of the orderly transition at the University of Idaho,” Winstead said. “I’m going to miss a lot of friends here. But in my judgment, it’s time to move on.”

Pappas Consulting of Stamford, Conn., recommended the restructuring – the first major change implemented by the school since President Tim White took over this month.

In a memorandum issued late Wednesday, White announced that Winstead’s responsibilities would be split to cut costs. White said there was no room for another $121,000 salary in the administration budget.

Winstead, who had been at Idaho since 2000, said he had been looking for a new job for some time and has applied with several schools outside of Idaho.

The University Place project cost former University President Robert Hoover and former financial Vice President Jerry Wallace their jobs after the economic downturn undermined complex and questionable financing deals.

An investigation ordered by the State Board of Education showed Winstead raised alarm early about the project’s precarious financial footing. In late 2002, Winstead advised Hoover that it appeared the project was in danger of spinning out of control.

In mid-2003, interim University President Gary Michael scaled back the multi-building, $136 million project to one $50 million building that should be completed next month.

The university and its foundation were left holding $28 million in development expenses financed with various loans. They are still faced with repaying most.