Written by Emma McDaris // Photo by Edgar Cardiel
Faculty and staff across Harding’s campus received news this week that will directly affect their salary as faculty members, effective immediately.
The University Executive Leadership Team raised the employee salary March 1. This raise came from the administration adjusting salary to 3.4% more to account for the higher cost of living around the country. The University had a better financial year with an increase in enrollment as well as the Centennial events that produced additional funds.
Employees received an email from President Mike Williams that notified them of the raise March 1 and explained the circumstances behind the decision. The raise will be implemented for all new employees as well.
“We are so blessed to have a talented and committed faculty and staff,” Williams said. “Over the last two previous years, inflation has grown 6-7% annually. The growth in the cost of living has placed a tremendous burden on many of our faculty and staff. This salary increase mirrors the increase to the current inflation rate.”
Williams said the salary increase was the best way for the University to consistently show its appreciation to its faculty. This decision showed the administration’s dedication to fairly compensate their employees and maintain a positive work environment.
Amy Cox, an associate professor of Harding’s Art and Design Department, served as president of the Faculty Leadership Council, which advocates and handles communication between the faculty and the administration. She said the council advocated for and supported the decision.
“Compensation is an ongoing focus of the Faculty Leadership Council and the Faculty Welfare Committee,” Cox said. “We greatly appreciate the commitment of the administration to raise pay for all employees.”
Both the faculty and staff were included in the pay raise, which uplifted the entire campus. Cindi Ingram, assistant director in Harding’s Center for Professional Excellence, said she saw this raise as an appreciative gesture that would ease the stress of daily life.
“The salary increase was a positive step toward empowering Harding’s employees to better navigate the escalating costs of living,” Ingram said. “Ensuring that faculty and staff can adequately meet our basic needs and support our families is crucial for our ability to serve students optimally. This increase alleviates some of the strain caused by inflation, enabling us to prioritize student service and enrich the student experience at Harding.”
