The College of Charleston Board of Trustees, at a special meeting Tuesday, unanimously approved a resolution to offer a three-year extension of the employment contract of President P. George Benson. If the extension offer is accepted by Benson, he will remain President of the College through February 2015.

Benson's current contract will be extended by a period of three years and will remain largely intact, however the contract renewal will carry "certain objective performance goals and cirteria that are to be acheived during the term of the contract extension."

Those performance goals will be determined by the Board, in consultation with Benson. Failure to meet the goals could constitute grounds for termination, according to the resolution.

Benson said in a statement that he is excited about continuing his relationship with the College.

"I'm pleased to have been offered this contract extension," Benson said. "I am looking forward to building on the progess we've made at the College over the past four years."

Board Chair Greg Padgett said the Board is pleased to offer an extension.

"The Board of Trustees is pleased to offer President Benson this contract extension, which recognizes the extensive strides he has made in leading the College to greater success and recognition as a first-class university that serves the people of South Carolina," Padgett said in a statement. "We look forward to working with President Benson as he continues to enhance the educational mission of the College."

Benson’s 16-page employment contract stated that the Board must provide Benson with notice of its decision whether to renew and extend the contract at the end of the fourth year, no later than Feb. 28, 2011.

The contract, signed in 2006, will remain largely intract, and the extension will not include a salary increase. Benson's salary is currently $366,202.

The contract charges Benson to “faithfully, industriously, and with maximum application of experience, ability, and talent, devote full-time attention and energies to the duties as President of the College.”

The meeting began shortly after 2 p.m. and deliberations continued until approximately 6 p.m.