Faculty trustee questions why U. of Kentucky will pay consultants $285,000 to examine school's long term goals
Lexington Herald-Leader
July 18, 2011
With a new president at the helm, the University of Kentucky will pay a Chicago-based consulting firm $285,000 to re-examine the school's long-term goals — set during rosier financial times — and suggest efficiencies.
Results from the study conducted by Huron Consulting Group will be considered during a UK Board of Trustees retreat with new president Eli Capilouto in October.
"The reality today is that while many of our dreams and aspirations for UK and Kentucky tomorrow have not changed, the underlying economic, social and technological conditions have," said Capilouto, who took office July 1.
The campus must talk about "how we can be creative in finding new paths to progress together," he said.
The study is expected to provide information on how UK can operate more efficiently, review the school's Top 20 business plan and figure out where UK stands relative to other public universities.
New faculty trustee Irina Voro questioned the expenditure, which she first heard about from a reporter.
"Why not ask UK faculty experts first before hiring outside consultants?" she asked. "UK faculty and staff do not lack expertise or common sense in most areas related to UK business. Perhaps our bloated administration does?"
