A former Western employee is claiming she was forced to retire early.

Elizabeth Esters, who worked as staff assistant to President Gary Ransdell and secretary to the Board of Regents, is suing Western for $44,617.80.

Bowling Green attorney Greg Stivers, who is representing Western, said on Monday afternoon that he was considering making a motion to dismiss the case.

Western officials received a copy of the complaint last week, said Deborah Wilkins, chief of staff and general counsel.

According to the complaint, Ransdell told Esters on Dec. 1, 2008 that she needed to “go on and retire” and gave her until the end of the day to make up her mind.

The complaint states that Ransdell told Esters he had already made up his mind that she would be leaving.

Esters decided to retire so she could avoid being fired, according to the complaint.

Esters started working for Western in 1972, according to the complaint.

Esters’ scheduled salary and benefits for 2008-2009 were $89,235.59, and breaking her contract mid-year should entitle her to $44,617.80, according to the complaint.

Wilkins said in an e-mail that no such contract exists.

“As such, the university is confident the claim will be dismissed,” she said.

Ransdell said only a few positions at Western have strict contracts, and Esters didn’t have one of those positions.

Wilkins said Western officials won’t comment further on the matter.

Steven Downey, Esters’ attorney, said he didn’t want to comment on the case because it’s ongoing.

He said he would let the complaint speak for itself.

Esters also said she had no comment.