Western Kentucky University Announces Voluntary Retirement Program

Western Kentucky University Announces Voluntary Retirement Program

Bowling Green, KY – In a significant development at Western Kentucky University (WKU), nearly five dozen employees have opted for a voluntary retirement program designed to provide a smooth transition for long-standing staff and faculty. A total of 57 employees received approval for this program, ending their tenure at the university by the close of this year. Faculty members will say goodbye on December 31, while staff will conclude their employment earlier, on November 30.

What’s Behind the Decision?

The motivation behind this voluntary separation initiative stems from various angles. University spokesperson, Jace Lux, explained, “This program is designed to recognize the contributions of long-standing employees and offer opportunities for those considering a career change. It also allows the university to invest existing resources into new initiatives and provides a measure of institutional financial flexibility.”

This transition comes amidst financial scrutiny, as the College Heights Herald reported that WKU overspent by $3.9 million in the fiscal year 2024. The athletics department alone overshot its budget by $2.7 million, followed by the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at $534,000, and Enrollment and Student Experience by $847,000.

The Voluntary Retirement Program Explained

Announced back in September, the program set a deadline for employees to apply by mid-October. To be eligible for the program, faculty members needed to have completed 15 years of full-time employment at WKU, while eligible staff required 20 years. However, contract faculty, people who had already submitted their resignation or retirement notices, and athletic coaches were excluded from this opportunity.

So, what does the financial landscape look like after this round of retirements? While the university is currently crunching the numbers, it’s worth noting that a previous voluntary retirement initiative in 2021, which saw 125 participants, resulted in an impressive budget savings of about $6.2 million.

Shifting Positions

In this latest program, all 57 employees who applied were granted early retirement, marking a notable shift at WKU. Lux mentioned that “most positions will not be rehired,” with only a few exceptions for critical needs that may arise.

Among those taking part in the retirement program is Molly Kerby, the assistant provost for institutional effectiveness and engagement. Ken Payne, the public relations program coordinator, is also leaving, which leaves just one associate professor and two instructors in the program.

What’s Next for WKU?

WKU currently employs roughly 2,600 workers. With the voluntary retirement program now in effect, the university is likely to redirect financial resources towards new initiatives, a necessary strategy given its current budgetary pressures. As WKU navigates these changes, the focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition while recognizing the invaluable contributions of its departing employees.

Stay tuned for ongoing updates as WKU steps into a new chapter following this pivotal moment in its history!