On Demand: New Salary Proposals

Southern University’s Nursing program, recently accredited as the number one program of all HBCUs, is currently going through the process of a sizeable turnover due to faculty that feel as though they are being under appreciate and underpaid compared to other institutions. It is only the beginning of the fall semester at colleges and universities everywhere but for the SU Nursing program, it seems as though the beginning of long school year on the account that some professors resign and others chose to look towards other opportunities for being paid their worth. Earlier in the week, the patience of SUSON students were put to the test as they were told by the program that they whomever had to repeat courses would not have the option to reenroll this semester based on lack of resources. The sudden news resulted in an outpouring of anxiety and frustrated reaction by the students. Nursing major, Lydell McLemore of Dallas, Texas posted on Facebook on Monday night after receiving the news asking that, “everyone to pray for SUSON as we are going through this tough time in our lives.” According to Associate Professor and Chair of the Undergraduate Program for School of Nursing, SUSON students were notified that were provided with the resources need by the administration to then enroll in their needed courses. However, in order to handle the matter of the professor’s proposed salary, the Board of Supervisors along with concerned educators from SUSLA, SUNO and SUBR came together to discussed the issues in Shreveport, Louisiana on SUSLA’s campus. The meeting was call to
order on Friday at 9AM with the floor opened to the public to express the latest salary increases. SUBR professor, Nigel Gwee, stood to the microphone first as he spoke on the behalf of items “F 1and 2” on the board meeting agenda. Gwee expressed that the proposed salaries on the
agenda is a testament what is right faculty. “These are not request for raises, these are simply statements of what of flaw and lack of discipline require.” The professor also quoted an expert on war in his speech. “No nation has ever profited from a pro-longed war.” Gwee went on to say that all of the allegations were misinformed and that he earned his keep as a professor teaching SU’s students. Next to the mic was Senate President of SUS Sonya D Hester who also expressed her concerns for the proposals but most importantly, furthering the education for college students. “In order for those opportunities to continue, it is often wonderful to receive the appreciation that is so deserving for the dedication.” Associate Professor of the Criminal Justice Department, Chanika Jones, expresses her
thoughts on the matter of what the program needs. “Give us a dean that is going to advance their initiatives and not only save Southern University but the Southern University System.”
President Chancellor Dr. Ray Belton talked about consistency with salary as far as keeping the staff SUSON has. Belton expressed that board and system could not endure a 25-
percent turnover in any year reaching standard. He replied, “Any new faculty that we are able to
attract to the college of nursing, in effect will have a salary of no less than sixty thousand
dollars.” Belton continues by saying, “for those faculty who bring commitment to the college of
nursing, we have provided for them an additional five thousand dollars with an aim on trying to retain them.” The board passed several items on the agenda, including the adoption of the Nursing Program Retention Initiative Salary Considerations, Extension of the Employment Contract for SU Head Men’s Basketball and Women’s, and faculty promotions on all campuses. However, Approval of personnel action on positions greater than sixty thousand dollars were denied multiple professors of SUBR including Dean of nursing, Janet Rami and Dean of Business Donald Andrews