University of Tennessee President John Petersen on Tuesday announced a mandatory hiring freeze and...

University of Tennessee President John Petersen on Tuesday announced a mandatory hiring freeze and a moratorium on new academic programs while defending the appointment of former head football coach Phillip Fulmer.

But it's the Fulmer three-month appointment, at $12,500 a month, that drew the ire of a faculty leader.

Petersen announces hiring freeze at UT, defends Fulmer's appointment : Other Sports : GoVolsXtra.com
Guessing here that that faculty member doesn't teach economics. Yes, I get that it doesn't look good, but I'd guess that in tough times you'd want to milk your cash cow for all its worth. Am I wrong?

about 3 years ago Joel Hollingsworth 3 comments 0 recs |

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The sad thing...

is that I seem to be one of the few faculty members who understand the math about athletics. Because of the football team’s prowess and success, the endowment grows, admissions skyrocket, funds pour in from alums who never gave before because they are proud of the place. That 12.5k a month will reap 100 times that. And for any of my faculty brethren to complain about salaries is ridiculous. I teach three days a week, two or three classes, do some research and get paid mighty well. If there were 105,000 people paying 60 bucks a piece to watch me lecture, then sure, I’d have reason to complain.

And I don’t even work in the SEC.

by OverThePylon on Dec 10, 2008 9:36 AM EST reply actions

It's also important to note that his salary is being paid by private funds

by rblakeh on Dec 10, 2008 11:11 AM EST reply actions

This is a news story?

I mean, I’m not the biggest fan of Petersen (but that’s for different, student-related reasons), but this would only be seized on during a slow news day by people who don’t understand economics. Not to be harsh about it or anything.

by Chris Pendley on Dec 10, 2008 11:45 AM EST reply actions