A former Mississippi University for Women accountant was arrested Wednesday and charged with embezzling roughly $30,000 from the MUW Foundation while employed with the university.
Cynthia “Jeannie” Godbey, 46, of 106 Kirkside Dr. in Starkville, surrendered to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office at 1 p.m. Wednesday and is currently in custody at the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center with a $5,000 bond. Her trial date is Nov. 13.
Godbey was an accountant at MUW from November 2009 to April 2012, when she was dismissed from the university for possible misconduct.
When the irregularities were noticed, Foundation leaders contacted MUW President Dr. Jim Borsig, who requested an internal audit, Anika Perkins, MUW director of public affairs, wrote in a statement to the Dispatch. The College Board was also notified, and the audit information was given to local law enforcement.
“MUW and the MUW Foundation have cooperated fully with law enforcement and will continue to do so,” Perkins wrote. “To avoid creating any issues for law enforcement authorities, MUW and its Foundation will limit public comment to this statement.”
The MUW Foundation is the fundraising arm of the university, raising funds to supplement money MUW receives from the state, student tuition and other sources. It accepts donations on behalf of the university and is privately incorporated and governed by a board of alumni and other supporters.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.