Delta State University announced the final number of faculty layoffs last week, signaling the end of the painful budget cuts at the regional institution in the Mississippi Delta.
Nine faculty members received terminal contracts for the upcoming school year, in addition to seven faculty who have already resigned and two that will next school year, a spokesperson told Mississippi Today.
“While Delta State, like every university, will continue to monitor revenues and expenses and make adjustments accordingly, the recent reorganization has positioned the university to live within its means,” Christy Riddle wrote in an email. “No further major cuts are envisioned or necessary.”
Riddle added while Delta State hasn’t finished auditing last year’s budget, it appears much healthier than in previous years. The university will now be able to present a balanced budget to its governing board, the Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees, she wrote.
“Going forward, DSU will only take on additional expenses (including new employees and new programs) when there are sustainable resources available,” Riddle wrote.
The university expects revenue to increase by a little over $1 million. The operating budget for this fiscal year also includes a 3.5% contingency that will help next year’s cash reserves.
“At this point, Delta State will be able to present the IHL with balanced budgets that will continue to improve our financial position,” Riddle wrote.
READ MORE: ‘Delta State’s future depends on $11 million, multi-year budget cut, president says’
Administration determined the number of personnel cuts after faculty green-lit most of the new interdisciplinary programs the president, Daniel Ennis, proposed earlier this summer to replace the 21 eliminated degrees. Those are secondary education, humanities and social sciences, and digital media communications.
A fourth program, a visual arts and performing degree, was held for more discussion about arts accreditation, according to an all-staff email Ennis sent last week.
“Delta State now has a healthy budget, and with diligence and care we can expect our revenues and expenses to remain in balance,” Ennis wrote. “I appreciate your patience and understanding as we have completed this difficult year of change together. I would not have asked this of you if I did not see it as necessary to protect the future of Delta State University.”
As the laid-off faculty look for new jobs, Ennis added the university would support them with extended benefits and an employee assistance program.
The faculty cuts are in addition to administrative cuts the IHL board approved last month and staff reductions that Ennis announced earlier this year. All told, Delta State eliminated 49 vacant positions, laid off 17 staff and cut two dean and four chair positions, Mississippi Today previously reported.
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