The Board of Trustees for Adams State University voted unanimously to renew President Beverlee J. McClure’s contract for the next three years. The action was taken, and McClure accepted, at the board’s regular meeting on campus, April 8.
McClure’s multi-year contract maintains her current salary of $205,000 per year, with possible bonuses based on performance, through July 2019.
"We conducted Dr. McClure’s evaluation three months early, and it was overwhelmingly positive. In the ten months she has been here, she has demonstrated she is highly valuable to this institution. She is a pleasure to work with; she is high-energy, transparent, and very strategic," said Board Chair Arnold Salazar. Acknowledging the financial challenges facing higher education across the nation, he added, "President McClure has set a course for the university that, in time, will allow us to correct our administrative and financial challenges. We have a leader who can take this university to a great place."
McClure was selected as Adams State’s tenth president a year ago and assumed the post in mid-June 2015. "I am very, very happy to be here. Together with all of you, we are going to make Adams State even greater than it is now. That’s why I wanted to stay here," McClure said. "I am pleased to have the endorsement and support of our trustees as we work through our current challenges and focus on ensuring the success of our students. I am confident that with the leadership of our board and the incredible commitment of our staff, faculty, and leadership team, we will see a turnaround in the next three years."
Trustee Paul Farley, who chaired the presidential search committee, noted, "The most important job of a board is to hire its leader. In this case we have made a good decision. President McClure makes me proud to be associated with Adams State University." Trustee John Singletary echoed that sentiment, saying, "We are behind the president 100 percent."
In reference to faculty presentations made April 7 on the results of their recent sabbaticals, Salazar added, "Our challenge is not one of academic excellence. Our faculty have incredible abilities, great enthusiasm, and a depth of knowledge about their fields. These are the people our students learn from."
The trustees praised McClure’s work ethic and particularly noted her success in building partnerships throughout the San Luis Valley and with the state legislature. "She has reached out to every corner of the valley and has managed to bring the community into the university," said Trustee LeRoy Salazar. Trustee Val Vigil added, "I see the work she does in Denver, and I can tell you it is very impressive." McClure fits in well with the community and "has had a very positive impact on the valley," according to Trustee Cleave Simpson.
Trustee Kathy Rogers expressed her confidence in McClure’s ability to lead the university, while Trustee Randy Wright pointed out her "exemplary" work to develop leadership within her staff.
McClure’s impact on campus was noted by the student and faculty trustees, as well. "I have never seen such a great working relationship between the president and student government. I have also enjoyed watching and learning from Dr. McClure’s leadership," said Student Trustee Azarel Madrigal. Dr. Rob Benson, faculty trustee and professor of geology and earth sciences, noted the faculty are also optimistic. "In spite of all that has come at us, President McClure has inspired and motivated the campus. The mood is very energetic around here."
