MARIJUANA SUSPECT RESIGNS AS HEAD OF NKU FOUNDATION

Suspended Friday after he was arrested and charged with selling marijuana
from his home, Dr. James Alford resigned Monday as head of the Northern
Kentucky University Foundation. The NKU board of regents has set a special
meeting for Thursday morning, ostensibly to deal with naming an interim
successor to Alford.

The agenda says the session is to discuss a single personnel item in a
closed session.

"I'm sure there will be something related to naming an interim president
this week," said NKU spokesman Chris Cole.

Until then, foundation board president Clifford Borland is overseeing the
organization, Cole said.

Alford, 52, was arrested Thursday evening at his condominium in Highland
Heights after a monthlong investigation by Highland Heights police and the
Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force.Undercover officers said they made
several drug buys from Alford. He sold small quantities of drugs from his
home, they said, but none of the buyers was connected to the university.

When police raided his home Thursday night, they said they confiscated
about 12 ounces of marijuana, digital scales and plastic baggies used to
package the drug, and a .38-caliber revolver.

Alford pleaded not guilty Friday to trafficking in marijuana between eight
ounces and five pounds, a felony that carries a potential penalty of up to
five years in prison.

As foundation president and chief executive officer, Alford was praised for
having one of the top investment strategies in the nation.

He was responsible for managing and investing millions of dollars in
donations and endowments.