HEPC approves new contract for Marshall President Stephen J. Kop - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

HEPC approves new contract for Marshall President Stephen J. Kopp

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The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission on Thursday, June 28,  approved a new five-year contract for Marshall University President Stephen J. Kopp during a special meeting at its offices in Charleston.

Effective July 1, Kopp's salary will increase from $275,000 a year, plus additional compensation of up to $50,000 a year from private sources, to $390,000 a year. Upon favorable completion of a formal written performance evaluation as required by the HEPC, and due in or about October 2013, Kopp's salary will increase to $430,000, effective July 1, 2014. He also would be eligible for regular salary increases as adopted by the Board of Governors for non-classified employees, according to a news release issued by Marshall.

Marshall's Board of Governors, during its regular meeting June 18, approved the new contract proposal and then submitted it to the HEPC for approval.

Kopp was named MU's 36th president on June 15, 2005. If he remains as president for the entire length of the contract, he will become one of the longest serving presidents in Marshall history with 12 years of service. Only Stewart H. Smith at 22 years (1946-1968) and Lawrence J. Corbly at 19 years (1896-1915) served longer terms. Morris Shawkey served 12 years (1923-1935).

During Kopp's presidency, Marshall has completed more than $200 million in capital projects, with another $114 million in ongoing or upcoming projects.

Academically, several new majors or programs have been launched. Two of those are debuting this year. The first class of 29 students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program began classes on May 21, and the first class of up to 80 students in the Doctor of Pharmacy program begins in August.

"Jane and I discovered the true meaning of home here at Marshall University and in the Huntington community," Kopp said in the news release. "We are honored to have had the privilege of serving Marshall these past seven years, and look forward to many more years of dedicated work to advance the progress of our great University.

"At the same time, while we believe we have made significant progress in helping move the University forward, we know there is a lot more work to do and we are committed to doing it. I thank the members of the Higher Education Policy Commission, our Board of Governors, and the Marshall University community for their continued confidence and support."