WSU President Schulz receives extension

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Members of the WSU Board of Regents have set tuition rates for the upcoming academic year and extended the contract of President Kirk Schulz.

The decisions came during the board’s Friday meeting, which also included approval of the university’s new strategic plan and its Athletics budget.

 

 

Regents voted during the meeting to extend Schulz’s employment contract by five years. At his request, Schulz will not see any compensation changes, having already taken a 10% salary cut, and other self-imposed cutbacks.

“In the interest of stability and continuity, it was important to the Board of Regents that we offer a five-year extension to the president’s contract,” Brett Blankenship, chair of the WSU Board of Regents, said. “Despite the many challenges facing Washington State University and higher education in general, WSU remains on a glide path to continued success.”

In addition to the salary cut, which continues through June 30, 2021, Schulz gave up a $50,000 retention bonus called for in his original WSU contract, and relinquished use of a Seattle condominium that was purchased prior to his arrival at WSU for overnight presidential trips to Puget Sound. The condo will be sold and the proceeds used to assist with the university’s budget challenges. He’s also giving up use of university-provided vehicles.

“Everyone within the university will have to share in the pain of the difficult financial situation brought on by COVID-19, but President Schulz has led the way with his voluntary reduction in salary and other contractual benefits,” Blankenship said.

Schulz, who was appointed WSU’s 11th president in 2016, thanked the board for its vote of confidence in extending his contract.

“I am grateful and honored by the support the Board of Regents has extended to me during my time as President,” Schulz said. “WSU is fortunate to have such a strong board guiding the direction of our university. The Board of Regents are steadfastly focused on WSU’s land-grant mission. Together we are continuing to make a positive impact all across the state of Washington and around the world.”

Blankenship also praised Schulz for his enthusiasm and tenacity which became evident during a 360-degree review of his performance as president so far. The review cited improvements to the university’s finances, the realization of plans for health education in Spokane and Schulz’s public accessibility as chief accomplishments during his first four years in office.

“WSU is fortunate that there is such close alignment between the Board of Regents and President Schulz,” Blankenship said. “This is a steadying force for the institution and positions us well to address the challenges that COVID-19 has brought.”