The Jacksonville State University Foundation accepted The Victoria Inn knowing its mission didn’t include running the Inn. The McWhorters should have thought a long time before they gave it to JSU. Frankly, anyone donating to JSU should consider this before they do so. It reflects poorly on an otherwise good university.
For goodness sake, hire someone to run it. It would seem the Inn could be converted to an off-campus dorm. It’s a mere 22-minute drive to campus. A car dealership would probably let them use a large van as a shuttle. The restaurant, motel and shuttle could be staffed with students needing jobs. Such moves would, in foundation member Julia Segars’ words, “assist and assure” students.
The McWhorters never intended for this historic landmark to be sold. The worst part of this is the donation is the largest JSU has ever received. Frankly, the possibilities are only limited by the foundation’s lack of imagination.
Chief Anderson
Ohatchee
