YOUNGSTOWN - The Youngstown State University Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Thursday to extend the contacts of the university's two top two executives - President Jim Tressel and Provost Brien Smith.

Tressel, who has been YSU president since 2014, agreed to a three-year contract and then a one-year extension through June 2021. The latest extension says that starting July 1, 2021, Tressel's contract as president will continue until terminated by either party with 180 days prior written notice.

University officials say Tressel's salary is $375,000.

 "We have accomplished much in seven years, but there's more work to be done," Tressel said. "We look forward to continue moving the university ahead on various fronts."

According to a statement from the university, under Tressel enrollment has increased for the first time in five years, and graduation rates are up.

Tressel is also being credited with helping YSU set new fund-raising records, holding down tuition increases, expanding scholarship opportunities, and increasing both university and private housing on campus.

Tressel and his wife, Ellen, have been involved in fundraising and philanthropy throughout the region, including personally making a $1 million gift to create the Jim and Ellen Tressel Student Work Opportunity Endowment Fund at YSU.

Trustees also voted unanimously to extend the contract of University Provost Brien Smith at a salary of $250,000.

Smith was named YSU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs in 2019, becoming the university's second-highest-ranking officer and overseeing all academic operations.

He came to YSU in 2019 from Indiana State University, where he was dean of the Scott College of Business for seven years. His contract at YSU was extended to 2025