Illinois State University students are fuming over their former school president's reported payout after resigning seven months after he started.
Former ISU President Timothy Flanagan received a $480,418 check as part of a separation agreement with the school. Students told the publication the money is enough for 10 full-ride scholarships for students.
ISU Chief of Staff Jay Groves told NBC Chicago the school's governing board voted for the payout, which is half of Flanagan's salary. Groves said it the cheapest way to go. The school feared if they terminated him he would file a lawsuit that would cost the school more money.
Flanagan took the top post at the university in August. He resigned in March, days before he was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after an altercation with a worker in December.
The charge stems from an alleged altercation between Flanagan and a grounds crew worker outside of the university-owned presidents' residence on Dec. 5. Flanagan has acknowledged yelling at the employee but denies he spat on or made contact with the man.
Flanagan pleaded not guilty to the charge last week. The school said the worker, Patrick Murphy, was rehired as a horticulturist and curator of Fell Arboretum.
Groves said new ISU President Larry Dietz thought Murphy "deserved another opportunity at the university." Groves says the horticulturist and curator position was open due to a retirement.
