November 9, 2007
Valdosta - The president of Valdosta Technical College has announced his resignation, ending a state investigation into his management style and the college's finances.
Dr. Robert Abene resigned Friday, stating personal reasons and a desire to focus on his family.
He has been on paid leave since September while the Department of Technical and Adult Education conducted the assessment to assure Val Tech is operating at maximum efficiency and properly responding to the needs of the community. Abene had been president at the college since January.
Abene's resignation comes less than a week and a half after his son was arrested for stealing his state-issued credit card.
21-year-old Andrew Abene was arrested October 30th and charged with financial transaction card fraud.
He was arrested after the state audited all state-issued credit cards.
They found several fraudulent charges had been made to Dr. Abene's card, issued to him by Valdosta Technical College.
It was misplaced at the time and investigators believe that Andrew Abene had in fact taken it and made those questionable purchases.
Dr. FD Toth has been named interim president until a new one can be hired. Vice President EJ Harris will serve as interim president until Toth arrives December 1, 2007.
Toth is a former dean of the College of Education at Valdosta State University.
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