Bethel University Cuts Staff, Some Sports Program

From Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine

by Matthew Gore, CP Magazine

McKENZIE, Tenn. (June 27) -  Bethel University interim president the Reverend Dr. Robert Watkins, emailed faculty and staff on June 26, 2024, explaining the institution’s financial predicament and the measures taken to address it. “These actions are difficult and cause distress, but they are necessary to establish a sustainable financial foundation to serve our students,” Watkins said.

According to Dr. Watkins, the post COVID-19 enrollment shortfall faced by most educational institutions caught the university somewhat by surprise. Reduced enrollment also meant fewer funds for programs but without a corresponding reduction in expenses. Initially, a hiring freeze, suspension of the retirement matching program, and elimination of non-essential spending addressed the issue. Bethel also secured Employee Retention Credit funding from the federal government, which also alleviated the shortfall somewhat.

Watkins continued, “In order to achieve a balanced budget, we took additional steps to reduce Bethel’s expenses to a level commiserate with our current enrollment and revenue. This included the elimination of our swimming, bowling, and inline skating programs, reduction in faculty and staff positions, cutting back operating expenses, and other measures.”

“We will truly miss those faculty and staff members affected by these layoffs, but these steps will allow Bethel to maintain the financial strength necessary to provide the educational and experiential learning environment necessary for our students to succeed,” Watkins said.

Faculty and staff reductions are rumored to have cost ten or more employees their positions and numerous already vacant positions will not be filled.