May 20, 2013
MCKENZIE, Tenn. (AP) -- A private church-affiliated university in West Tennessee has laid off 19 workers -- a move officials say was driven by efficiency.
Bethel University business affairs director Walter Butler told The Jackson Sun the school has an obligation to operate as efficiently as it can.
Bethel spokeswoman Jennifer Glass said none of the lost jobs were among instructors and they total less than three percent of the university's workforce.
Responding to questions about school finances, Butler said all accounts are up to date. He acknowledged there had been late payments in the past. Butler said capital funding is sound and giving has increased the last five years.
Bethel has more than 5,000 students and is affiliated with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
