Tuskegee University, the historically Black educational institution in Alabama founded by Booker T. Washington, has announced what it calls “rightsizing efforts.” The university says that it is “focused on a path to sustainability by properly aligning our recurring costs conservatively to our probable revenue.” To this end the university states that it “has arrived at a clear determination to reduce costs and expenses, particularly payroll expenses.”
Over the next three years, Tuskegee University is committed to reduce operating costs and expenses by $15 million to $20 million. About 60 budgeted positions that are currently unfilled will be eliminated. In addition, 60 adjunct faculty and current staff positions will be permanently eliminated. The university projects this will save more than $8.5 million. While many adjunct teaching positions will be eliminated, the university asserts that it “has more than adequate and highly competent professors that are tenured and on tenure track to sufficiently meet, exceed and succeed in instructing and guiding our students.”
Brian L. Johnson, president of Tuskegee University, stated that “the university is committed to continual review of its expenses in light of revenues and flat to declining enrollment in order to provide a quality experience for our very best and brightest — Tuskegee University students. Making changes that affect personnel is the single most difficult decision that any organization can make, especially where employees have faithfully and honorably served the University for many years. These difficult decisions are necessary for Tuskegee University’s future.”
You can cut expense your self completely out of business. When you keep cutting the things that make Tuskegee a good educational investment, why would any smart student want to enroll there? Why not focus on the revenue part of the equation? Do the things that are required to bring money into the University! Remember that smart Black students have options on where they attend college.
Dr. Johnson is eliminating 120 positions? Professors whom are tenured or on track for tenure will be held accountable for the “brightest” Tuskegee students? WTH? Without faculty and staff members for certain positions why would I encourage my daughter or grandson to attend TU? I am a Tuskegee Institute alumnae, I think this is such crap. President Johnson should have his position evaluated and possible eliminated. Booker T. Washington is squirming wondering why was his message and motto lost.