As an Ohio University alumnus who has returned to the university as a faculty member, it’s sad to say, but I don’t feel supported and don’t always have what I need to succeed. That’s why a union is so important, it can work with university partners to ensure that faculty gets what it needs to help students succeed.
OU President Lori Stewart Gonzalez and OU Board of Trustees Chair Matt Evans have refused to accept the validity of the United Academics of Ohio University’s May 2025 election. They lost their challenge over how the election was conducted, and they are now appealing that decision in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Not only is the administration still refusing to recognize the union, but it took them nearly a year to respond to all our proposals, including fundamental issues like compensation, job security, and faculty retention, and they continue to slow-walk negotiations at every turn.
Here’s the problem. Failing to invest in faculty is failing to invest in students and their education. Unless OU is willing to provide faculty with fair, competitive and equitable compensation, they will leave for greener pastures, and students won’t have the benefit of their knowledge and talents. This will result in a serious recruitment and retention problem.
I can’t help but wonder: Why are Gonzalez and Evans in the university business at all if they can’t find it in their wheelhouse to support, invest and respect their faculty and, in turn, their students?
Like many fellow Bobcats, I love this special place. My professors helped me become the teacher I am today. I can’t repay them, but I always hoped to pay it forward. So, in 2023, my wife and I had made the decision to return to Athens after 27 years in Arkansas. I applied to OU and to high schools to teach math. I ultimately was offered a position at OU but was astounded that I would make less than if I taught at a high school. I sacrificed the salary to live my dream of teaching at OU, but I wish I felt more respected and supported as a faculty member. The pay disparity certainly will give pause to others who are considering making a career at OU.
Students have any number of places they could enroll, but they choose OU for specific reasons, one of which is our terrific faculty. The university should be doing what is necessary to ensure they can attract and keep talented and enthusiastic faculty in all departments. Faculty members want a long-term career at OU, not a waystation to a better position elsewhere.
OU should bargain a contract now with UAOU that respects faculty, to ensure a world-class education for its students.
Corey Boby,
OU Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Mathematics Department
