HOUSTON – Texas Southern University says it has hit several key benchmarks in its first 25 days of “Operation Tiger Reset,” a 100‑day plan launched in response to a blistering state audit of the university’s finances.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called for the audit in December 2025 and described the findings as “beyond disturbing.”
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In response, TSU’s Board of Regents approved Operation Tiger Reset, aimed at tightening oversight and fixing deficiencies identified by the State Auditor.
According to the university, early milestones include:
- Bringing in new internal audit staff to strengthen financial oversight
- Hiring an interim chief administration officer and interim chief human resources officer, with permanent hires expected by May
- Completing a review of 100% of TSU’s administrative policies and procedures
- Finishing Phase I of an asset management review, covering 85% of capital assets, with Phase II starting in March
- Launching searches for a permanent chief financial officer and chief internal auditor
“These actions reflect speed, discipline, and accountability. We are focused on results, not actions,” TSU President J.W. Crawford III said in a statement. Regent Lauren Gore, who chairs the Audit Response Committee, said the early progress shows “measurable momentum” and reinforced governance standards.
The announcement comes amid sharp criticism from some state and local leaders over how the audit has been framed politically.
In a recent statement blasting Gov. Greg Abbott and other state officials, State Rep. Jolanda Jones accused them of targeting historically Black institutions like TSU for political gain and warned against any attempt at a state takeover similar to the Texas Education Agency’s intervention at HISD.
“Don’t you dare try to take over TSU the way TEA took over HISD. Helen Keller, Stevie Wonder, and Ray Charles can see exactly what you’re trying to do” said Rep Jones. “Your strategy is obvious - target Black institutions so you can control them and silence their power.”
The statement went on to call TSU a “foundational pillar” of Black higher education in Texas and defended its legacy of producing judges, educators, engineers, activists and Olympic champions.
“Governor Abbott let’s be crystal clear. YOU are the Republican Governor. YOU appoint TSU’s Board of Regents. If there is any financial mismanagement at Texas Southern University, it happened under YOUR appointees, under YOUR watch” said Rep. Jones. “So, if any of them go to jail, you need to go to jail with them because you appointed the wrongdoers and you surely shouldn’t get a presidential pardon.”
University officials say Operation Tiger Reset will continue through Day 100, with additional updates planned as TSU works to “restore and reinforce public confidence” through tighter controls and faster audit responses.