Amarillo College on Wednesday released results from an independent forensic audit reviewing construction projects, bank account and investment account activity, internal communications, and financial reporting to the Board of Regents from 2019 through 2025.
The audit, which was commissioned in October 2025 and conducted by national accounting firm Weaver, was initiated after administrative reviews identified inconsistencies that merited deeper investigation, according to a news release from AC.
In November, the AC Board of Regents held a special meeting to address a shortage of $2.3 million to cover projects outlined in a 2019 bond package.
The audit found no evidence of missing or misappropriated funds, but did note a failure to adequately and timely report some funds to the Board of Regents, according to the news release.
Later, AC’s Vice President of Business Affairs, Chris Sharp, was suspended and submitted his resignation on Nov.12, 2025.
“When procedural questions came to light, it was important not to assume, but to investigate,” said Dr. Jamelle Conner, President of Amarillo College. “We are committed to accountability to our taxpayers, employees, and our students—and want to give our community the full facts provided by this report.”
Amarillo College audit findings
Here is a highlight of findings from the audit, according to a news release late Wednesday from Amarillo College.
However, the findings confirm that while construction projects were more expensive than originally projected, the work was performed and tied directly to the improvement of the College and community, according to the release. Since the initial identification of financial concerns, the College strengthened oversights and transparency—with a commitment to public accountability and ensuring that administrative processes match the excellence of the institution.
Representatives from Weaver will be present at the upcoming Board of Regents meeting Feb. 24 to report on their findings in further detail.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: AC audit reveals no missing funds, but weaknesses in reporting
Reporting by Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
