She has also alienated many alumni and is perceived to take them for granted. These are problems systemic with the current administration.

The Board of Regents awarded her the raise after, as previously reported by The State Journal in June, KSU balanced what was termed “the biggest budget deficit in years.” They balanced it by freezing hiring, freezing raises, raising tuition and extracting from its reserves according to the article. Then they returned the next month and give her a retention bonus, which, once again, the university is obligated to pay no matter its fiscal or academic condition. People might have been more understanding if it had been a performance bonus with verifiable and public objectives. That is what most businesses and institutions do. However, this is akin to the Wall Street bankers receiving bonuses, many of them retention in nature, after the Bush financial industry bailout. Where will the funds come from to finance her bonus, especially if the institution continues its current path? Laura Douglas spearheaded this initiative, but will be long gone by the time of its fulfillment, as will at least another board member. Will they contribute to the bonus if the university has a shortfall? They seemed to think she earned it.

The Board of Regents should be held accountable and questioned by their superiors for this decision. But, to whom are they answerable? The governor's office says no one. A representative from the lieutenant governor's office suggested legislation to address the accountability aspect. However, the governor appoints them which logically should make them accountable to him, the executive branch. A past governor reportedly once called appointees in to have them dismiss a president. Should Beshear not do the same thing to get an explanation of why they want to spend a quarter-million tax-payer dollars to retain someone for six months in a state that is continually cutting spending across the board? And she will take the money, just as she did the year Kentucky and Louisville's presidents declined their bonuses and the state had a raises freeze. In fact, her bonuses and raises have outpaced everyone associated with Kentucky State, which contributes to the low morale. There was a stipulation once that for her to get one of her bonuses in June, she had to issue paltry raises (less than 3 percent) to staff first.

Paying a person so much to stay at an institution is insane. This is her eighth year at KSU and it has worn on many constituents. While she has offered stability and some growth, she has also given grief to many, especially those who dedicated decades to the institution and are part of its lore. I once told her in an alumni meeting that if she made KSU successful, she would be successful. However, it mostly seems to be about her at the expense of the university. I also stated in an opinion piece a few years ago after she tried to leave for Bowie State University, that if she did not see the value in KSU and wanted to leave, leave. Kentucky State University is 125 years old and bigger than any one person. It has had some legendary educators and students to pass through its doors. She is still a leader in many fields of education. My alma mater deserves better than to have to continually entice someone to stay as its leader (To the tune of $475k and numerous, generous perks). If she does not feel that way, then it is time for her to go. KSU will continue to exist and educate those who want to be there.

Lacy L. Rice Jr. is a 1994 graduate of Kentucky State University with a bachelor of business administration. He also holds graduate degrees from the University of Louisville. He has worked in education and athletics and is currently working on a doctorate in business administration from Walden University.