NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — More than 100 employees of Tennessee State University have been parted with, the university confirmed Thursday afternoon.
In a statement provided to News 2, the university said it was "committed to addressing the long-standing financial challenges that we face with a strategic and transparent approach."
On Thursday, the university announced it made the "difficult decision to separate from 114 employees" as part of its "realignment efforts." The university had gone before state lawmakers that same day, sharing its plans for addressing financial issues plaguing the university.
Interim President Ronald Johnson implemented a 100-day action plan focused on "stabilizing university operations and ensuring the long-term sustainability of TSU," according to the university's statement.
“Our role is to sustain the university, getting it up on its legs has been our priority," Johnson said in a State Building Commission meeting Thursday. "Needing those things— keeping the water on, keeping electricity flowing and keeping students engaged in the teaching learning process.”
"Over the past months, we have successfully identified and implemented measures that have resulted in approximately $13 million in savings for the university," the statement reads in part. "However, these necessary cost-cutting measures have also led to the difficult decision to separate from 114 employees as part of our realignment efforts."
TSU's financial plan moving forward will consist of three core components, according to the statement: a hiring freeze, a spending freeze and strategic realignment that includes workforce adjustments.
"You cannot let up. There is no reason for you to feel like the pressure has been relieved. The pressure is still on," Comptroller of the Treasury, Jason Mumpower, said during that same meeting. "...The previous administration and trustees have driven this university to a breaking point and it is up to you to reorganize, reorient and lead a rebirth of this university."
Mumpower asked officials to also consider selling the Avon Williams campus.
"All are essential for right sizing the university and ensuring that we continue to meet our mission effectively. This plan is also part of our obligation to fulfil a mandate from the State of Tennessee," the statement added. "We are steadfast in our commitment to transparency, accountability, and transformative action as we work to sustain a future-ready TSU. We understand the complexity of these changes and their impact on our community, and we pledge to keep our stakeholders informed as we move forward."
