Russell Pieken, who was formerly employed at Baker’s School of Professional and Graduate Studies, has filed a lawsuit against the university for wrongful termination.

In the court documents, Pieken’s attorney, David Porter, stated that the university hired Pieken in 1987 as an adjunct professor, and in or about 1999, he became a full-time employee. The lawsuit said Provost Randy Pembrook terminated Pieken in the fall of 2007.

Porter did not return phone messages as of Wednesday.

IRS 990 tax forms require that the top five highest paid employees are made public. <br/>The forms from 2003 to 2007 show that Pieken frequently earned the highest salary at the institution. The forms from 2003 to 2007 show that Pieken frequently earned the highest salary at the institution.
The forms from 2003 to 2007 show that Pieken frequently earned the highest salary at the institution.

In 2005, when filings indicate Pieken spent 60 hours per week restructuring the SPGS program, Pieken’s compensation totaled $281,474, a full $66,448 more than former University President Dan Lambert.

The lawsuit states that during his employment at Baker University, Pieken was never issued any of the employee benefits provided to other regular, full-time employees.

Pieken presented education workshops around Kansas and Missouri and his salary fluctuated depending on how many presentations and workshops he performed in a given year, former dean of SPGS Don Clardy said in 1999.

The lawsuit claims Pieken is suing the university for back pay, front pay, lost back benefits, lost future benefits, his costs and attorney’s fees in bringing the action and other relief the court deems just.

University President Pat Long said she could not comment on the pending litigation. <br/>The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court of Kansas . The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court of Kansas . <br/>  
The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court of Kansas .