WILBERFORCE — The new Central State University president will receive a compensation package of more than $300,000 in his first year.
According to his three-year contract, obtained by the Gazette through a public records request, Dr. Jack Thomas will receive $250,000 in annual compensation in year one, along with $12,000 in automobile allowance, and $54,000 in housing allowance. Thomas, who was introduced to the CSU community Feb. 7, will receive a $25,000 bump in annual pay each year after that.
In addition to salary and benefits, Thomas will be reimbursed for all legitimate business-related travel and expenses, and normal moving expenses. The terms of the contract also encourage Thomas’ wife, Dr. Linda Thomas, to travel with Dr. Thomas and will reimburse travel and expenses on “those occasions when it is beneficial for the University for Linda Thomas to travel and attend functions with Dr. Thomas on behalf of the University … “
The board of trustees can terminate the contract with or without cause at any time.
Grounds for termination with cause include commission of any illegal act of dishonesty, including but not limited to, misappropriation of CSU funds or property; engagement in activities or conduct injurious to the reputation of CSU; inattention or failure to competently perform assigned duties and responsibilities; gross insubordination; or commission of a misdemeanor (involving an act of moral turpitude) or a felony.
Before termination with cause, CSU must give Thomas 30 days written notice and will continue paying his salary for 12 months, reimburse he and his wife for COBRA for 12 months (if they elect such coverage); and 12 months continuation of automobile allowance.
Thomas can terminate the agreement at any time with six months written notice.
During his introductory news conference, Thomas laid out a multi-step plan for the university. Some of those are first-year objectives he must meet, per the contract.
Thomas must maintain regional and specialized program accreditation; begin and complete a 2020-2023 strategic plan, begin and complete a marketing plan and timeline for implementation; maintain a retention rate in 2020-21 as established by the 2019-2020 baseline; and raise $2 million with an emphasis on individual, corporate, foundations, and institutional donors.
The contract, signed by all parties Jan. 30, is renewable in three-year terms but it can be superseded by a new agreement.
