Lincoln University avoids pay cuts

A Lincoln University student crosses the bridge from Page Library on Lincoln's campus on April 30, 2016.
A Lincoln University student crosses the bridge from Page Library on Lincoln's campus on April 30, 2016.

A pay cut was erased before it went into effect.

Lincoln University employees were forewarned in May they would see a half-percent reduction in their pay, but the university released a memo Wednesday saying this would no longer be the case.

LU's administration was able to find alternate cost-saving mechanisms to prevent the cut, planned because of a tight budget for fiscal year 2017-18.

In the memo to employees, administrators said $96,000 was saved by eliminating two vacant positions not previously identified and by re-configuring other positions to reduce salary expenses.

"With these new opportunities to answer this budget shortfall, we are opting to utilize those resources, rather than taking away from those who work so hard on behalf of our students and this university," Interim President Michael Middleton said.

Employee leaders Stephanie Clark and Cole Abbott said they were pleased with Middleton's decision to find an alternative savings approach.

Clark, chair of LU's Faculty Senate, told the News Tribune it's encouraging to see the faculty and staff of Lincoln University are considered a priority by Middleton.

"The decision to find alternative savings instead of reducing salaries is a step in the right direction," she said. "The faculty of the LUMNEA and the representatives of the university have been working through the summer to come to an agreement over workplace issues, with salary being one of them.

"The choice to reinstate the previous salary amounts for all employees shows this administration is listening and responding to those who are dedicated to our students' success at Lincoln University."

Misty Young, LU's community relations director, explained the functions of the campus Blue Stop Shop for first-year students will be absorbed by student accounts, financial aid and academic advising departments within the college.

Abbott, the Staff Council chair, said they have been very impressed with Middleton's first month.

"We look forward to working with Interim President Middleton to continue to find innovative ideas that reduce costs, recruit and retain excellent students, and advance the mission of our 1890 land grant institution," Abbott said. "This decision will help our university retain the great employees that make Lincoln a top-notch destination for higher education."