In some cases, Perkins flew when he could have driven in three hours or less — to such cities as Wichita, Hutchinson, Kan., and Lincoln, Neb.
He also flew to such places as New York, Rhode Island and Palm Springs, Calif., usually on the university’s eight-seat Cessna Citation Bravo jet. When he couldn’t get the university’s plane, Perkins chartered one or used planes owned by boosters.
Once, a booster’s plane flew Perkins back from a family visit to New Orleans, where his daughter and son-in-law work for Tulane University.
On many of his trips, Perkins hired car services to get around. He spent about $7,000 on ground transportation in the 22-month period studied by The Star, including $1,827 during two days in New York.
Closer to home, Perkins earlier this year took KU’s jet the 139 miles to Pittsburg, Kan., to attend the funeral of former K-State quarterback Dylan Meier, whose younger brother, Kerry, had just finished his football career at KU.
K-State football coach Bill Snyder also flew in for the funeral, taking a university plane from Manhattan.
Both needed to get from the airport to the funeral. Perkins charged $425 for a car service. Snyder rented a car for $44.
Big Easy confusion
In October 2008, Perkins claimed an $8,800 expense for a trip to New Orleans, indicating on his travel voucher that his purpose was to meet with Rick Dickson, Tulane’s athletic director.
The $8,800 was for flying on a private plane, a King Air turboprop owned by Tim Fritzel, a major KU donor.
When The Star asked Perkins about the trip Wednesday, he said he couldn’t remember the meeting’s topic, and he seemed surprised at the cost, asking, “How did I spend $8,000?”
