Jun 9, 2012 @ 12:45
LEXINGTON – In an email to the University of Kentucky’s student body and staff, President Eli Capilouto announced that there would be “workforce reductions” and those affected were being given 90 days notice.
The Univ. of Kentucky is one of Lexington’s top three employers. Most will know someone affected by job loss during these cuts. Capilouto states, “It is a painful exercise to implement significant reductions in our workforce. Our colleagues losing their jobs are both new employees and senior professionals and their contributions to the university have been valued.”
Long term UK employees Chester Grundy and Mildred Bailey have both been give notice that their positions are being eliminated.
Grundy has held several positions within the University and is an alum. He has been with UK for 40 years and he founded the Martin Luther King Cultural Center (MLKCC). In 2008 Mr. Grundy returned as Director of the MLKCC . The Center’s mission is to “sponsor programs and activities which provide educational experiences designed to prepare students for global citizenry in a technologically advanced, global economy and offer opportunities for student leadership development.”
According to Grundy, when he was given notice on Wednesday, there was no conversation about the future of the MLKCC.
“I’m OK. My concern really is the MLKCC which is a historic and award winning program,” said Grundy.
University spokesman Jay Blanton offered assurance that the Martin Luther King Cultural Center would “remain open and is an important part of the University.”
But who will lead it and what direction will they take it? Those questions will be reserved for Vice President of Institutional Diversity Dr. JJ Jackson, who is traveling with students out of the country.
Grundy asked for this, “Community members and students who have benefitted from the Cultural Center need to be aware of how things will look as we move forward. I guess I’m saying, ‘Pay attention’”.
Ms. Bailey was in charge of the Minority College Awareness Program that helps youth beginning in 2nd grade with college preparation. Blanton said that the University is “creating more collaboration” among programs and expects that the services offered by MCAP will still be available.
An interview with Dr. JJ Jackson is expected near the end of the week of June 11.
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