Something suspicious apparently recently sounded alarms at Alcorn State University and the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, the state agency that oversees the state’s public universities.

Sadly, now three top university leaders have resigned, including president M. Christopher Brown II.

The resignations come after the IHL board investigated allegations of financial improprieties involving purchasing practices and questionable expenditures at Alcorn.

The state auditor’s office and the state ethics commission now are investigating the matter.

We hope and expect the authorities will investigate the matter fully and, if laws were broken, prosecute those involved.

Those entrusted with public funds should be held to a higher standard than private sector workers, and thus, should be given no leeway on such financial matters.

Although only a handful of people close to the matter know the details of the allegations, the investigation, unfortunately, already has harmed Alcorn’s image.

That should matter to all residents of Southwest Mississippi, even if you’re not an Alcorn State alumnus or fan.

Alcorn State is a huge economic driver in this region. From the main campus in Lorman to satellite campuses in Natchez and Vicksburg, the university’s success matters a great deal to our area.

We urge those investigating to do their work quickly and push for a complete resolution with great haste. The sooner this matter is resolved, the more quickly Alcorn can begin rebuilding its reputation.