University Ex-President Seeks $1.6-Million in Suit Over Exit

The former president of Westfield State University is seeking more than $1.6-million in damages in a lawsuit arising from his resignation last fall amid a controversy over his spending of university funds, reports The Boston Globe.

In a court filing last week, Evan Dobelle asks for damages of at least $1.6-million—representing what the 69-year-old would have earned if he had remained in office until his retirement at age 75—and seeks unspecified additional compensation, including attorney’s fees and punitive damages.

Mr. Dobelle stepped down in November amid an investigation of his use of hundreds of thousands of dollars from the school and its affiliated foundation, some of which an outside audit said went toward lavish travel and personal expenses. He claimed the accusations were part of a smear campaign designed to oust him from the post and launched a court battle against Westfield State trustees and attorneys, state higher-education officials, and the audit firm.