WKU paid Jean Twenge, an author and professor of psychology at San Diego State University, $43,000 ahead of her keynote presentation Tuesday, according to a contract acquired by the College Heights Herald.
Twenge is contracted for a 50-minute keynote and 10-minute Q&A for her presentation at the third Presidential Speaker Series. WKU is also responsible for hotel accommodations for up to two nights and “round-trip ground transportation in the event city.” All other travel and event-related expenses are part of the $43,000 fee, according to the contract.
WKU was required to pay $22,000 within 21 days of the contract’s execution and $21,000 by October 21.
The contract is similar to that of last year’s speaker, Lisa Genova, whom WKU paid over $66,000. WKU was also responsible for Genova’s transportation and hotel, and all other travel and event-related expenses were part of her $66,000 fee.
Twenge will deliver a Keynote speech titled “How Changes in Technology Shape Each Generation,” according to an emailed release from WKU President Timothy Caboni, in which she will “reveal the three key forces driving generational change, examine the experiences and outcomes of the six living generations and share groundbreaking survey data that points toward future societal shifts.”
Twenge has authored seven books and had her research featured in the New York Times, CNN, NPR and The Atlantic, according to the release.
“As Dr. Twenge answers questions all of us are asking about how technology and generational change are shaping our daily lives, her insights will resonate not only with students, faculty and staff here at WKU, but also with community members throughout our region who are navigating these same dynamics in their families, workplaces and neighborhoods,” Caboni said in the press release. “We are thrilled to welcome such an esteemed expert to our campus and our region.”
