A professional evaluator is scheduled to visit Fort Lewis College on March 12 as part of the evaluation of President Dene Kay Thomas for retention.

Beheruz Sethna, retired president of the University of West Georgia, and now a consultant, will talk with Thomas, community members, faculty, staff and students.

Thomas’ three-year contract ends June 30, 2016. She has been president since July 1, 2010.

Sethna is assisting Stephen Portch, retired chancellor of the 34-campus University of Georgia system, who led the evaluation of Thomas three years ago. Portch’s schedule doesn’t permit him to visit the campus next month.

The two consultants will make their recommendations on whether to retain Thomas at the April 10 meeting of FLC trustees.

The cost of Sethna’s visit next month and the visit of the two consultants in April will be about $11,000, plus travel expenses.

If trustees vote to retain Thomas, negotiations will start on salary and conditions of employment. Her current base salary is $236,000.

Professional evaluators make for objectivity and transparency in the evaluation process, trustees say.

daler@durangoherald.com