Metro State Board of Trustees Chair Adele Phelan has announced that the board and President Stephen Jordan have reached an agreement for a three-year contract with two one-year extensions.

"It’s important that Dr. Jordan remain as president because he has positioned Metro State as a voice to be heard not only in Colorado but also in the national higher education arena," Phelan said. "He has brought a vision to Metro State, to which he has attached very specific benchmarks for which he is willing to be accountable.”

Further details on the contract are not yet available, as, according to Trustee Michelle Lucero, chair of the Compensation Committee, the final terms of Jordan’s contract remain to be worked out. Lucero said that she would update the board at its June 4 meeting. Jordan’s current contract ends June 30, 2008.

“The committee's recommendation to the full Board of Trustees regarding the extension of Dr. Jordan's contract indicates our belief that we are already seeing achievements toward preeminent status for the College,” Lucero said. “Just a few examples are the constant progress of the Auraria Science Building, despite very large legislative challenges; the increase in tenured faculty; our work with the neighborhoods; student enrollment; shared governance; the movement towards attaining HSI status; and, overall, our increased exposure, respect and success on the legislative front.“

“I’m extremely appreciative of the confidence that the trustees have shown in me,” Jordan said. “Metro State has made great strides toward our goal of preeminence and I’m excited to continue my part as we all work toward this goal.”