Deal Calls for Ex-Westfield State President to Pay $185,000

Former Westfield State University President Evan Dobelle has agreed to pay $185,000 to settle a state investigation into his spending of school funds.

The proposed settlement was filed Wednesday in Suffolk Superior Court and must be approved by a judge.

The state attorney general's office sued Dobelle to recover nearly $100,000 in public funds it alleged was misspent by Dobelle on travel, restaurant meals and other services.

Dobelle defended his spending as the school's president from January 2008 until his resignation in November 2013.

The settlement calls for Dobelle to pay $185,000 in damages, legal fees and costs for the state investigation. He also agreed to drop his lawsuit against Westfield State and to not work or volunteer at any higher education institution in Massachusetts.