The Board of Trustees approved a five percent salary increase today for President Lester Lefton bringing his annual salary to $367,500 – in addition to a one-time performance bonus totaling $70,000.

Sandra Harbrecht, chair of the Board of Trustees, said the raise comes in the wake of the board’s annual performance review of the president. The appraisal process involved between 30 and 40 administrators, faculty and board members.

Harbrecht said the Board of Trustees determined Lefton met or exceeded all first-year goals, and consequently had “about as good a first year as you’re going to get.”

In addition, she said Lefton contributed “very significant accomplishments in an environment of great challenge” as a new president, such as growing system-wide enrollment, spearheading the development of a major retention initiative and helping increase research funding.

University spokesman Ron Kirksey said the money for the president’s salary increase comes from public funds – state funding and tuition.

Lefton said it has been an exciting year to be a part of the Kent State community.

“I hope that I met their expectations, but more importantly, the expectations of the institution,” he said.

The Board of Trustees also approved the following resolutions at its first meeting of the semester:

• Purchase of the Meeker/Houser property on South Lincoln Street across from Franklin Hall near Starbucks to eventually provide additional parking for faculty and staff.

• Ratification of changes in university practices and policies for classified civil service employees in compliance with Ohio Revised Code.

• Conferral of degrees to Kent State students who completed requirements from Dec. 16, 2006 to May 13, 2007.

Contact administration reporter Jackie Valley at [email protected].