6.21.24

Dear President Jim Dean, Provost Wayne Jones, Incoming President Chilton, and USNH Board of Trustees,

I am writing this open letter to bring urgent attention to a critical issue that threatens the financial integrity and operational effectiveness of our university: the widespread mismanagement of funds at the college and departmental levels exacerbated by the poor implementation of a centralized financial structure within the university itself.

During my tenure at UNH, I witnessed numerous instances of financial irregularities that demand immediate investigation and action. These are not isolated incidents, but rather symptoms of systemic problems in how funds are allocated, tracked, and utilized across the university. Some specific concerns include:

1. Significant discrepancies between allocated funds and actual operating budgets. In one case I personally encountered, approximately $600,000 (spread over multiple years) simply vanished from a department's budget with no explanation.

2. Funds designated for specific purposes being redirected or disappearing entirely without transparency or accountability.

3. Lack of clarity and communication around budget changes, particularly in light of recent financial centralization efforts.

4. Resistance to inquiries about financial discrepancies, with staff being told to "stay in their lane" when raising legitimate concerns.

I want to emphasize that I do not believe these issues stem from intentional malfeasance. Rather, they appear to be the result of inadequate oversight, unclear processes, and a culture that prioritizes other matters over financial precision. However, the scale and persistence of these problems demand urgent attention. I have received dozens of messages—including from former UNH employees who worked in finance and advancement (fundraising)—who have emphasized the issues and call to light their own specific experiences with them.

I raised these concerns internally multiple times, including three separate discussions with HR about the need for an independent financial audit at the college level. These warnings went unheeded. Now, as we approach the end of the fiscal year, it is imperative that UNH take concrete steps to address these issues before they further jeopardize critical programs and the university's overall financial health.

Specifically, I call on the administration to:

1. Initiate a comprehensive, independent audit of financial practices at the college and departmental levels.

2. Establish clear protocols for fund allocation, tracking, and reallocation.

3. Improve transparency and communication around budgetary decisions.

4. Create safe channels for staff to report financial irregularities without fear of retaliation.

I understand that UNH is in a period of transition with new leadership on the horizon. However, these issues cannot wait. They require immediate attention to ensure the stability and integrity of our institution.

I am prepared to provide further documentation and specifics as needed. My goal is not to focus on blame, but to instigate necessary reforms that will strengthen UNH for years to come.

Sincerely,

Andrew Mitchell  ’10, ‘14