Hample Steps Down Mid-Contract

BY ANNE ELDER AND ERIC STEIGLEDER

Two years ago, President Judy Hample signed a five-year contract with the Board of Visitors and the University of Mary Washington Foundation, guaranteeing a spacious mansion, an ample car allowance and numerous other executive benefits.

However, according to the contract, “if the Dr. Hample resigns from the presidency she shall not be entitled to any further compensation or benefits as president.”

Hample’s compensation includes an annual base salary of $330,000, which may be increased by the BOV but cannot be decreased.  She also receives four weeks of paid vacation, 10 days of which may be carried over on an annual basis.

Brompton, the home of the president, was acquired by UMW in 1946 and has been home to the president since 1948.  It is also expected to “be available, and shall be used for University-related business and entertainment on a regular and continuing basis,” according to the contract.

Division of State Internal Audit recently reported that Hample purchased bookshelves for 28,000 dollars, Hample said the new bookshelves were added to maintain the integrity of the historic home.

“[The bookshelves were] constructed for the space [and] styled for the home,” Hample said.

Hample is expected to vacate Brompton within 30 days after her resignation takes effect.

In addition to her benefits, Hample also receives substantial power to hire and fire faculty.

Hample’s notable hires during her tenure at UMW included Provost Jay Harper, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Doug Searcy, Vice President for Advancement and University Relations Torre Meringolo, and Director of Communications George Farrar.

In her contract, it states that for every year Hample serves as president, the Foundation will place $25,000 in a fund within the Internal Revenue Code 457(f). These deposits are tax exempt and accrue 5 percent interest.  However, in the case of termination or voluntary resignation, the president cannot collect any of the money.

Hample also was appointed as a tenured professor of communication, as per the terms of her contract, although she has not taught a class during her tenure as president.

However, this is not uncommon for college presidents, according to Teresa Kennedy, chair of the Department of English, linguistics and communication.

As part of her contractual duties as president, Hample was expected to travel to visit alumni and donors to acquire funds for the university.

According to Hample, the 27 trips she has made in the past 18 months goes beyond the number of trips former presidents have made.

When asked to evaluate her tenure as president, Hample was proud of her administration.

“I think I did a more than adequate job,” she said.