Centenary College Announces Staff Reductions

SHREVEPORT, La —In an effort to balance the budget for the 2009-10 academic year, Centenary College of Louisiana is reducing its staff by 15 percent effective immediately.

President David Rowe announced Monday that the College is undertaking the reductions as a responsible approach to current economic challenges and the changing needs of the College. This is the first phase of an overall budget restructuring plan.

Administrative departments throughout the campus will absorb the duties of the approximately 25 positions that will be eliminated. The reduction in personnel will ultimately result in the reorganization of several departments within the College where some staff members will be reassigned. Others will have their job responsibilities modified to address the goals of the institution.

"This was one of the hardest decisions Centenary has faced," said Dr. Rowe. "Eliminating positions is painful because we are a close-knit community. The lives of colleagues we know and love are profoundly changed. Centenary will make every effort to help each employee through this difficult transition."

The College will offer severance packages commensurate with years of service, career transition assistance and tuition courtesy for current dependents.

The positions eliminated will not affect the academic mission of the College, said Rowe. "We are taking steps today to secure Centenary's future. Centenary will emerge from this difficulty a stronger institution, focused always on preparing young men and women for full and meaningful lives."

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About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 371 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.