Fox 16’s David Goins reports that Tom Courtway has been named president of the University of Central Arkansas. He’d been serving as interim president, for the second time, after the departure of Allen Meadors amid controversy over presidential home renovations and a contract with a food service vendor.
Courtway’s choice, announced after an executive session at the quarterly meeting of the Board of Trustees, enjoyed wide support. Goins, who’ll have a fuller report on Fox 16’s newscast, Twitters that Courtway agreed to serve up to three years without a contract (no buyout!), no severance package and no car allowance. I think Conway might throw him a parade at this point.
UPDATE from a University spokesman: Courtway, 58, asked for one thing and was given it — permission to move into the president’s home next year. It’s apparently fine quarters for Courtway, though the previous occupant’s wife had some issues and had never moved in. He’s going to continue to be paid in his slot as executive assistant to the president. He’ll get no raise now from his current $162,577, but a pay increase could be discussed in May, the Board said.
Bobby Reynolds, the new board chairman, said Courtway’s choice was unanimous in the private board session on the move. Courtway got a standing ovation from those present after it was confirmed. Staff, faculty and student Senates had already passed resolutions urging his selection.
In a release, Reynolds said Courtway’s appointment will bring more stability to campus and allow the board ample time to conduct a thorough search for a new president.