Tressel’s pact extended for at least 1 year

By AMANDA TONOLI

atonoli@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Jim Tressel said he’s excited about continuing his efforts and those of his team to improve Youngstown State University and its role in the Mahoning Valley.

“I am excited about this opportunity – and to be honest, there is nothing more fun than challenges,” YSU’s ninth president said Thursday.

YSU’s board of trustees extended Tressel’s contract, which ends in June, for at least one more year, continuing his annual salary of $300,000.

Despite the trustees’ offer to increase Tressel’s salary about $75,000, Tressel would not take it, and he refuses any kind of raise because of the university’s financial difficulty.

The new contract agreement calls for a one-year extension through June 2018. It also calls for three separate additional one-year extension options that could carry the contract through June 2021.

Each extension will be agreed upon no later than Oct. 1 of the prior year.

Carole Weimer, trustee board chairwoman, said the trustees hope to keep Tressel at YSU for all four years.

“In his two and a half years at the helm of YSU, Jim Tressel has led efforts to increase enrollment and retention, raise a record amount of gifts, balance our budget and re-energize the campus and the community,” she said. “We look forward to President Tressel’s continued leadership as we steadfastly pursue excellence across campus and the entire region.”

Weimer said although the campus climate survey results revealing discontent about senior leadership – Tressel, Provost Martin Abraham and the board of trustees – was taken into consideration, it was still the unanimous decision of the board that Tressel’s continued leadership is what’s best for the university.

Annette Burden, faculty union president, said she is “cautiously optimistic” Tressel will try to improve faculty and administration relations as well as address issues identified in the campus climate survey.

Survey respondents suggested leadership improvement plans for all senior leadership, removing senior leadership based on faculty/staff input, and holding senior leadership accountable to campus policies, procedures and agreements.

In addition, members of the faculty and staff noted they felt a lack of shared governance on campus. They contend they aren’t asked for input or consulted regarding decisions.

Tressel thanked the board members for their patience with the “newbie” in the presidential role.

“We are excited about the team we have put into place and the opportunities that exist here at YSU and in the Mahoning Valley,” he said. “We have certainly accomplished much, but we have much more work ahead of us. Ellen and I look forward to working with everyone on campus and throughout the community to increase our excellence in all that we do.”

Weimer said there is no greater cheerleader for YSU and the Youngstown community than Tressel.