Former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry is teaching a class at Fisk University. Many in the community were not made aware, until Barry posted a picture to her Facebook page captioned: “So honored to have Jennifer Palmieri come and speak to my Fisk honors students and to encourage them with her wit, insights and leadership. The class is aptly named: Women and Leadership, and she is lighting the way! Thanks, Jennifer!”
Reviews of the hire are mixed in the community and among Fisk Alumni with several members protesting and some applauding the hire.
“As a university, we believe that Mrs. Barry can provide valuable insight into the role of women in public life. Several students have already expressed their appreciation for her perspective on the trials and tribulations of serving in a leadership role,” said the university in a released statement.
Barry’s term came to an abrupt end shortly after she admitted to having an extramarital affair with her police bodyguard, Sgt. Robert Forrest, which included extended business trips with just the two of them. She resigned shortly after pleading guilty to felony theft, agreeingto reimburse the city $11,000 and was sentenced to three years probation as part of a plea deal.
Forrest also plead guilty to felony theft, and has agreed to repay the city of Nashville $45,000.
