Chancellor John Sharp Approves Merit Raises

Dear Texans,

Happy Purple Thursday!

I want to start by expressing my appreciation for your continued devotion to Tarleton State University. I especially want to commend each of you for a remarkably smooth start to the spring semester. It’s going to be a great 2021!

As part of our vision to become the premier comprehensive regional university in the nation, we are committed to prioritizing and enhancing our investment in human capital and employee compensation. 

Chancellor Sharp and our Board of Regents equally value the importance of investing in our people. And it’s more than talk: Chancellor Sharp has approved merit increases for policy-covered faculty and staff for fiscal year 2020-21. I want to thank Chancellor Sharp and our Board of Regents for their sustained confidence. We are blessed to be part of a thriving university system. 

Employees who meet the eligibility criteria will receive a one-time, lump sum 4% merit payment on their next check.

This amount is retroactive and will reflect the entire fiscal year. You’ve earned it; job well done! Additionally, we are recommitting efforts to hire quality faculty and staff for previously frozen positions. Early enrollment indicators are trending toward continued growth and momentum. Filling these positions will allow us to better prepare for a record number of new Texans. 

Our strength in enrollment and retention, along with prudent financial management during the pandemic, have positioned us well for the remainder of the fiscal year. We’re still unsure of what the next biennium will look like, but we are committed to providing competitive compensation. It will remain a top priority of my leadership and our executive cabinet. 

This merit payment is unprecedented in today’s economic climate as many institutions struggle with budget deficits, enrollment declines and significant reductions to their workforce. But to continue our upward trajectory we must remain steadfast in pursuit of enrollment growth, student success initiatives and philanthropic partnerships. Let’s all keep telling the “Tarleton Story” in a positive, uplifting and inspirational manner. 

Thank you for all you do in making Tarleton a truly special university. 

Forever Bleed Purple and Roll, Texans! 

Dr. James Hurley
President
Tarleton State University
Box T-0001
Stephenville, Texas 76402

Office: 254-968-9100

University Homepage: www.tarleton.edu