Some employees in the administration building are working comfortably in chairs that cost The University of Memphis nearly $600 each.
At least 15 Aeron chairs, at a total cost of $8,850, have been ordered and delivered to The U of M since January 2002.
“They make your workplace better for your employees,” said Margery Stoever, director of business and finance technology at The U of M. “People are sitting there all day on their computer.”
The chairs, named “Design of the Decade” by the Industrial Designers Society of America, are not only known for their distinctive looks but also for their ability to maintain proper posture and lower back comfort.
Stoever, who approved the purchase of seven chairs, said the main reason the chairs were chosen was because of their ergonomic benefits.
She said the chairs came highly recommended and every purchase is scrutinized.
“I know how hard these people work and how little we pay them,” said David Zettergren, assistant vice president for finance at The U of M. “They deserve these chairs.”
He said The U of M has been ordering the chairs since 1995.
“I don’t think that’s right,” said Norma McDowell, junior social work major. “I pay so much for tuition, and they have these expensive chairs.”
The U of M orders the chairs from a local company called Design Elements.
An employee from the dealer said the chairs are usually sold at about $1,000, but The U of M buys them at a discounted price of $590 because of a contract agreement.
Cedric Burgess, a student technology worker in the client support services office, said he and other employees could tell the chairs were nice when they first saw them.
“We didn’t think much about the price, but they feel great,” he said.
Zettergren said the department would rather buy $590 chairs once than buy cheaper chairs every few years.
“It’s more efficient to buy a chair that will last longer,” he said. “The more we can do to save money, the better we are.”
“The price of the chairs seems ridiculous,” said Meredith Kimmel, junior political science major. “A $600 chair is no better than a $200 chair.”
Zettergren said each department at The U of M is held responsible for its orders.
“Most of the people that I work with are very cost cautious,” Zettergren said.
He said The U of M is a good enough University to purchase nice chairs for employees.
“They’re durable and they’re comfortable,” he said.
“There are definitely better things that the money could go to,” said Stephanie Clayton, sophomore marketing management major.
Zettergren said the price of the chairs wouldn’t be questioned as long as there is a purchase order.
“They look for the best deals they can find,” he said. “They do a thorough job and look at what is available and evaluate the life of the chair.
“I’m not sure if I could classify this as being wasteful,” he added.
