Staff reports
Truett McConnell University Board of Trustees will meet in a closed session today, Sept. 25, to consider taking action once they review progress made on a third-party investigation into sexual abuse and cover-up allegations. Officials are expected to provide an update on the investigation tomorrow, Sept. 26.
TMU Director of Marketing and Communications Brandi Wood said in an email sent Wednesday, Sept. 24, that faculty and staff would be the first to receive the update on the investigation Friday morning during a closed meeting.
Following this meeting, a press conference will be held in Odell Sanctuary at 10 a.m. on Friday for credentialed media only, according to Wood.
The investigation was launched after former TMU student-athlete Hayle Swinson alleged longtime administrator Bradley Reynolds manipulated and abused her for years. Swinson was interviewed by Christian media outlet the Roys Report, which first broke the story. Her allegations, supported by texts and emails, and an investigation by the White County Sheriff’s Office in 2024, prompted other former students to speak out.
A number of former students accused President Emir Caner of ignoring and silencing their complaints. Caner was placed on administrative leave this
past summer.
TMU’s Board of Trustees then appointed Dr. John O. Yarbrough as acting president. The Board also hired investigator Richard Hyde to lead an independent review of the university.
The White County News will provide an online update to this developing story and a follow-up article in next week’s print edition.