Not only is Brent Thomas taking on a new role as the permanent provost at Emporia State University. He’s an example of a new compensation concept for certain university staff.
University administrators have said the reinvestment process underway since Kansas Board of Regents approval in September has been driven by a 29-percent decline in on-campus enrollment since 2017 and a 7-percent overall dip despite an increase of nearly 30 percent in graduate students the past five years, along with needed but “non-strategic” budget cuts. Thomas has accepted a package that adds performance incentives — but also “relinquishes” his tenured status.
Details have not been announced.
Thomas was hired into a tenure-track position when he joined Emporia State as an associate professor of biology in 2006. Among the responsibilities of a tenure track position, according to Thomas, are research, teaching and service. He says he plans to meet with faculty to “play to strengths” when it comes to employment and compensation packages.
Thomas was named as permanent provost Monday, following the short employment of George Arasimowicz. Besides upcoming conversations about compensation and ongoing reinvestment announcements, Thomas says he’s considering steps to make his office more efficient.
