Tech Trustees To Offer Oldham Five-Year Contract

The Tennessee Tech Board of Trustees voted 8-1 Thursday to offer President Phillip Oldham a new five-year contract.

Board Of Trustees Chair Tom Jones said the contract would offer stability to the University, the president and the board.

“We have one employee and it’s this person right here (Oldham),” Jones said. “This contract helps to assert our authority of that employee and our responsibility for that president. And it also helps define what happens in case either of us becomes unhappy.

The Board of Trustees voted last August to have the Executive Committee draft a contract template for the president’s position. The committee voted February 15 to send the contract template it had developed to the full board.

Jones said he had heard from some across the campus community that the board should wait on a contract while the research inquiry takes place. Several trustees agreed.

“When you look at some of the stipulations that if he’s reassigned, that he gets that base salary for the duration,” Professor Of Nursing Dr. Melissa Geist said. “My other question is, why five years? Why not make it three years and so then if some of these contingencies do happen, Tennessee Tech is not on the financial hook for four years.”

Trustee Johnny Stites disagreed.

“For me, it’s important to do this right now,” Stites said. “I personally and I believe this board should take the stance that we want everybody to understand that we are supportive of this president. We’ve got his back. As long as he does what we entrust him to do, he’s going to continue to have that support.”

“If he doesn’t, then I’ll be the first one to make the motion to boot him out.”

An amendment to change the the contract from five years to three years failed 5-4.

Jones said he asked many questions of Oldham surrounding the research inquiry. He added he wished things had been handled differently.

“I personally find no cause or reason that would make me second guess that decision to move forward with a contract,” Jones said.

Geist said the issue goes beyond just the current research issue. She said faculty on campus have serious concerns about Oldham’s leadership. Geist cited recent budget cuts and the loss of faculty members as examples.

“There are issues on this campus that I just don’t think we can sweep under the rug,” Geist said. “It’s very frustrating to hear again and again the vision. I don’t think I’m in on the vision and I think that is across the campus.”

Geist said the board “looks disconnected” when it paints a positive picture.

The 15-page document will be customized for Oldham and delivered to him to sign or negotiate further.