WKU Regents Extend Ransdell's Contract Through 2022
November 02, 2007
Bowling
Green, Ky. - The Western Kentucky University Board of Regents today approved an addendum to President Gary Ransdell’s contract which would provide for his continuous employment through June 30, 2022.
Dr. Ransdell joined WKU as president in 1997. “Given the passage of time, we believe it is prudent to revisit his employment agreement with WKU,” said Regents Chair Lois Gray of Vine Grove.
“In the 10 years Dr. Ransdell has served as WKU's president he has demonstrated what a transformational leader can do,” Gray said. “I respect his work and character and wish to maintain him as the leader of WKU. Compensation is one way to demonstrate appreciation for the work accomplished. The amendment to Dr. Ransdell's contract is an attempt to show approval and appreciation of his leadership.”
The addendum to the current contracts provides that as long as Dr. Ransdell’s performance is satisfactory following annual performance evaluations, his contract of employment will continue in four-year increments extended annually each year, providing for continuous employment through June 30, 2022.
The board also approved additional longevity incentives in addition to annual adjustments. These include an adjustment of 15 percent on Jan. 1, 2012, and an adjustment of 10 percent on Jan. 1, 2017.
In addition, the WKU Foundation has established a non-qualified, deferred compensation plan for Dr. Ransdell in the form of a trust. The trust, through the College Heights Foundation, will be funded by annual $50,000 payments from the WKU Foundation, which currently pays Dr. Ransdell $25,000 annually. This and an additional $25,000 will be redirected to the trust.
The University will also pay up to $5,000 a year for long term care insurance for Dr. Ransdell and his wife, Julie.
“Julie and I are fortunate to work with a Board which is dedicated to a bold vision for our alma mater,” Dr. Ransdell said. “We intend to spend the next 15 years leading WKU in the achievement of that vision. We are honored to be part of something as grand as WKU and which improves the lives of so many people.”
Two new regents – Jim Johnson and Dr. Patricia Minter, both of Bowling Green -- were sworn in at the meeting. Dr. Minter is the newly elected faculty regent.
In other action, the Board of Regents:
- Heard a report on enrollment for the fall 2007 semester. WKU’s total enrollment is 19,265, up 601 students or 3.2 percent from last fall’s 18,644. Undergraduate enrollment is 16,508, up 441 or 2.7 percent from 16,067 in fall 2006; graduate enrollment is 2,757, up 160 or 6.1 percent from 2,597 in fall 2006.
- Approved an honorary doctor of humanities degree for Arthur Sulzberger Jr., chairman of The New York Times Company and publisher of The New York Times. Sulzberger has been instrumental in advancing the American Democracy Project, a partnership between the paper, American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the Carnegie Foundation for Excellence and Teaching. WKU was one of 18 schools in the initial ADP implementation group and has been one of the most active participants in the growth of civic engagement in higher education.
- Approved a minor in construction management a graduate certificate program in international student services and faculty emeritus appointments.
- Reaffirmed its approval to establish a doctor of education (Ed.D) in educational leadership. The board approved the proposal in January pending approval by the Council on Postsecondary Education. In July, the CPE approved new guidelines for submitting doctoral programs; therefore, WKU restructured and resubmitted its proposal to CPE in October.
- Approved the revised 2008-14 six-year capital plan. The plan, submitted in preparation for the 2008 General Assembly, includes new projects as well as several projects vetoed in 2006 and which failed to receive legislative authorization in 2007.
- Approved the purchase of property at 504 Regents Ave. for $165,881.90. The property is within the designated building site for the new College of Education and Behavioral Sciences facility.
- Approved the naming of classrooms, offices and rooms in university buildings in recognition of donors, benefactors and distinguished faculty.
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