University: Paying $17K for Dining Hall Table Was Mistake

The University of New Hampshire now acknowledges that spending $17,000 on a custom-made chef's table with LED lights for the campus dining hall was a mistake, the AP reports. Initially, university officials thought the light-up table would allow the dining staff to interact with students and demonstrate healthy cooking techniques. But word soon got out about the $17,570 price tag on the 16-seat table, which was installed several weeks ago. The school newspaper wrote about it, and other media outlets picked up on it.

On Friday, UNH spokesperson Erika Mantz said that having a chef's table was a good idea, but much less money should have been spent. The table costs nearly as much as in-state students pay annually for tuition and fees. The university plans to keep the table. (More higher education stories.)