By Leah CallThe Free Press, Mankato, Minn.(TNS)(Aug. 3) MANKATO — The director of African American Affairs at Minnesota State University has vacated his position as of Sunday after a federal jury convicted him on 20 counts of preparing false tax returns for clients. The jury found Cortez Hollis, who was employed by the university starting in October 2024, guilty of 20 counts of aiding or assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. He owned and operated Hollis Tax Time, a Minnesota tax preparation business prosecutors said was used to prepare false tax returns for clients, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. According to a written statement given to The Free Press, MSU is “committed to providing a respectful and professional environment for employees and students alike. Photo caption: Cortez Hollis (Minnesota State University)_______© 2026 The Free Press (Mankato, Minn.).