FSCJ interim president starts Tuesday

New era to begin at FSCJ after former president was paid to resign

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It's the beginning of a new era at Florida State College of Jacksonville, where a new interim president started Tuesday.

The Board of Trustees approved a contract for Dr. Willis Holcombe at the beginning of the month.

Holcombe is replacing former president Steve Wallace, who is under investigation for the misuse of funds.

Holcombe has more than 20 years experience in higher education. He spent 17 years as president of Broward Community College in South Florida.

He also served as chancellor of the Florida college system for four years.

In a statement, the university says Holcombe's respect among legislators and statewide leaders, "Will prove to be of great benefit to FSCJ during this transitional time."

Wallace agreed to resign at the end of the year and continue to be paid in another capacity until 2014.

Wallace came under fire after two audits of the college's finances and inappropriately granting more than $4 million of federal Pell grants to students.

There is an ongoing federal investigation into what went on.