HOUSTON -- Dr. Priscilla Slade was officially fired Wednesday as president of Texas Southern University, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Slade did not show up for a public hearing she requested to challenge the board's decision to fire her. She did not send a representative, either.

When board Chairman J. Paul Johnson took the vote to pass a motion to terminate Slade, every regent voted yes.

The board heard more evidence about Slade's spending of public money before the vote.

"Dr. Slade's home is a private residence," attorney Jarvis Hollingsworth said. "Three transactions that we investigated – furnishings, landscaping and exterior improvements and security – all inure to the private benefit of Dr. Slade."

The board's termination of Slade becomes effective on July 17.

Slade's attorney released a statement regarding her failure to attend the hearing.

"There is no need for her to appear today and participate in a charade," attorney Ronald Franklin said. "Instead, she is anxious to proceed with her lawsuit and will next appear before the regents in a court of law."

Slade is currently under investigation for possible criminal charges. Her testimony at the hearing could have hurt her credibility.

Officials said it could take up to a year to select a new president for the university.

"We're going to do everything in our power to employ the best president for this institution," Johnson said.