Lon Morris Executive Discusses School’s Finances

JACKSONVILLE — After days of rumors about alleged money problems at Jacksonville’s Lon Morris College, a Lon Morris representative agreed to sit down and talk to our news partner KETK. Vice President of Business Affairs Tommy Ferguson says everyone should have received his or her paycheck by five Thursday afternoon. Employees’ paychecks were delayed five days, and Ferguson says there’s no guarantee there won’t be future delays.

Ferguson contends rapid growth and getting new sports like football added to financial woes. He says college officials knew financial problems were coming, but they didn’t know the extent. College officials say they’re doing all they can to keep the school running, but say bankruptcy is always a possibility at a private college. According to Ferguson, “There’s businesses all over the state and all over the country going bankrupt and closing their doors, but before Lon Morris would close the doors, they will look at all their options. Ferguson says those options include furloughs and cutting jobs and programs.