University of Tennessee President John W. Shumaker has asked the Board of Trustees to defer this year any compensation for performance called for in his contract with the university.
The board, meeting here Thursday, approved his “generous offer in light of our budget problem.” The board also thanked Shumaker for “his many accomplishments and contributions” during his first year.
“The first year of a presidency is a busy one – meeting and greeting campus administrators, faculty, students, alumni and friends of the university, and key policy makers at both the state and federal levels of government,” Johnnie Amonette, chairperson of the board-s executive committee, said.
The board has cited Shumaker-s work with state government, students and donors.
“For example, the president-s progress report on his performance goals notes 144 speaking engagements and forums with constituent groups, alumni, and donors across the country,” she told the board.
Amonette said the board is especially pleased with the work that has been done on behalf of the university within the State of Tennessee, in Washington, and with organizations such as Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in Atlanta and the Southeastern Conference in Birmingham.
“In that connection, we are extremely pleased with the process and outcome of the athletic director search and understand the amount of travel involved to protect the confidentiality of quality candidates.”
The board endorsed Shumaker-s accomplishments for his first year. Amonette said, “As a result of these initiatives, we have a newfound level of credibility, trust and communications.”
Shumaker is eligible for an annual performance bonus of up to 27 percent of his base salary.