Faculty Senate members had their voices heard when ETSU President Paul Stanton visited. Members posed a broad range of questions to Stanton about matters such as budget issues, faculty compensation, research issues and even recycling.
“I think that Dr. Stanton has always been very forthcoming,” said Dr. Fred Mackara, president of the Faculty Senate. “I’ve never heard him say ‘no’, I don’t want to answer that question.”
Dr. David Champouillon of the music department agrees. “Dr. Stanton effectively and positively answered the questions,” he said. “This time I was the most impressed and satisfied with his answers.”
Though there are usually different speakers, the senate tries to have Stanton speak once per semester.
“To me, the foremost issue was the monies coming in and how they’re going to be allocated.” Mackara said.
Kathleen Grover, secretary of the senate, also commented on money issues in regards to equal pay among men and women. “We haven’t had the funds for so many years,” she said. “We’ve just been trying to keep our heads above water getting the pay equity.” Stanton said salary equity was a number one priority this year.
Another issue of concern brought up in the meeting was research. “We are morphing into a different type of university than we were in the past,” Mackara said. In regard to funding for research, Stanton said, “We ought to be self-sufficient.”
Other matters were discussed. Kelly Price, associate professor in the management and marketing department brought up recycling. “This is something I really care about. At UT they have the most wonderful recycling programs, but not here,” she said.
Champouillon also brought up the issue of low pay for adjunct faculty who return year after year.
“Why can’t they at least be paid the maximum allowed or be converted to regular faculty?” he asked. “This is a practice typical at a lot of universities . It is very wise business sense but lacks in personal sense.”
Several speakers from various departments will visit this semester. Meetings are open to students.

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