Cady Short-Thompson’s appointment as the first female president of Northern Kentucky University (NKU) has brought newfound energy and excitement to the campus. Short-Thompson, chosen out of a pool of over 90 applicants, officially starts her role in October with the goal of increasing on-campus enrollment and addressing the university’s $9.6 million deficit.
Having started her career at NKU as an assistant professor, Short-Thompson feels a strong connection to the campus. Throughout her years as a young professional, she worked closely with former university president James Votruba and even expressed her ambition to someday hold his position. Now, she has the opportunity to lead the institution where her leadership abilities and ambitions developed.
Short-Thompson’s contract includes a base annual salary of $400,000 with the potential for a $100,000 performance bonus. She also receives $25,000 in moving expenses as she plans to relocate to Northern Kentucky with her husband. As a successful dean of UC Blue Ash College, she hopes to bring her experience in growth and leadership to NKU.
Recruiting and retaining more on-campus students is one of Short-Thompson’s primary challenges. She believes there is nothing quite like the in-person college experience and wants to create a vibrant campus life where students can make lifelong friends and be engaged in various organizations and clubs. Alongside this, she recognizes the importance of financial stability for providing high-quality education and experiences. Short-Thompson aims to achieve a balanced budget by fiscal year 2025 without relying heavily on raising college tuition.
As she begins her tenure, Short-Thompson has yet to outline specific markers for her enrollment and financial goals. However, her experience, dedication, and ambitious mindset suggest that she will bring positive changes to Northern Kentucky University.
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