Trustees review university milestones, president’s performance
July 9th, 2008
UofL President James Ramsey
The University of Louisville Board of Trustees met July 9 for the first of a two-day retreat and its July board meeting in Lexington at the Griffin Gate Marriott.
Board of Trustee Chair Chester Porter praised UofL President James Ramsey for his performance during the past year following a session of the board’s compensation committee.
"Jim is very progressive and focused. Under his leadership the university has made great progress toward some major initiatives," Porter said.
The board reviews Ramsey based on 28 goals, including student retention and graduation, research, fund raising, academic and co-curricular programs and community partnerships.
The board determined that Ramsey met or exceeded 27 of his goals. One is pending.
Porter noted that under Ramsey's leadership, UofL has gained recognition as a first-rate metropolitan research university, is attracting topnotch students from around the world, has improved student retention and graduation rates and has been the driving force behind economic development in the area.
He cited such specific accomplishments as:
- State approval for a $2.5 billion tax increment financing district to underpin implementation of the university's 30-year Health Sciences Center master plan.
- A graduation rate of 44 percent.
- Record annual philanthropy in excess of $85 million.
- A new strategic plan to carry UofL through to 2020 and a new brand, "It's Happening Here."
- A sustainability initiative to shape UofL's energy conservation and recycling.
- Advancing the development of under-performing university-owned assets, such as the Haymarket property and Shelby Campus.
Before the compensation committee meeting, Porter said, Ramsey indicated that he would prefer to accept the same $700 salary adjustment that other university staff and faculty will receive instead of his annual bonus. He and other eligible employees will receive the money this month, and it will be added to base pay at the beginning of the next fiscal year.
Ramsey indicated that the tough budget situation was behind his decision, Porter explained. The president's annual bonus can be as much as 25 percent of his total compensation package.
The Board of Trustees will continue its annual retreat July 10.
