The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents has approved substantial pay increases for several chancellors across the UW System. The new pay structure aims to retain top leaders and make compensation competitive with peer institutions.
The raises are designed to retain top leadership and align their salaries with those of similar positions in peer institutions. UW System spokesperson Mark Pitsch emphasized that the cost of losing talent is higher than the cost of rewarding it appropriately.
Bonuses of up to 15% of their salary will be available for chancellors who achieve goals related to freshman retention. These goals will be established after the fall semester enrollment numbers are finalized. UW-Madison Chancellor would not be eligible for the freshman retention bonus.
This decision comes amidst financial challenges for the UW System, including declining enrollment and flat state aid, prompting tuition increases and campus closures. Governor Tony Evers plans to request $800 million for the UW System in the next budget to address these issues.
Details of Pay Increases:
- President Jay Rothman: From $550,000 to $583,440
- Jennifer Mnookin, UWMadison Chancellor: From $765,000 to $811,512 (additional 10% raise to $892,663)
- Mark Mone, UWMilwaukee Chancellor: From $461,132 to $489,169
- James Schmidt, UWEau Claire Chancellor: From $285,266 to $302,610
- Michael Alexander, UWGreen Bay Chancellor: From $270,608 to $287,061
- James Beeby, UWLa Crosse Chancellor: Starting at $281,112
- Andrew Leavitt, UWOshkosh Chancellor: From $287,061 to $304,514
- Lynn Akey, UWParkside Chancellor: From $265,000 to $270,300
- Tammy Evetovich, UWPlatteville Chancellor: From $265,000 to $281,112
- Maria Gallo, UWRiver Falls Chancellor: From $284,616 to $301,921
- Thomas Gibson, UWStevens Point Chancellor: From $270,608 to $287,061
- Katherine Frank, UWStout Chancellor: From $281,432 to $298,543
- Renée Wachter, UWSuperior Chancellor: From $276,020 to $292,802
- Corey King, UWWhitewater Chancellor: From $265,000 to $281,112
Chancellors Not Receiving Raises:
- Mark Mone, UWMilwaukee: Not eligible due to upcoming resignation.
- James Beeby, UWLa Crosse: Recently appointed and not yet eligible.
- James Schmidt, UWEau Claire: Not included in this round of raises.
- Andrew Leavitt, UWOshkosh: Recently experienced a temporary furlough.
