Conflict-of-Interest.net

So what happens when the president of a University becomes a member of a board of directors for a company (and received direct financial benefits) that is also a major benefactor to the University? Well, this is the situation at South Dakota State University, where President David Chicoine has joined the board at Monsanto (Conflict of interest?)…how’s this for a institutional conflict of interest?

Here’s a great quote from president Chicoine (cited in another news story)

“I thought it would be from just a practicing professional economist perspective, a great learning experience,” he said. “I think the university hopefully will benefit from an administrator that has a broader base of experience and capabilities. … I would hope what I learn there is going to be enable me to do my job better.”