Ross, Shapiro’s base salary low compared to rest of MAC

Central Michigan University’s president and provost have low base salaries compared to those at other universities in the Mid-American Conference.

University President George Ross has received a base salary of $350,000 for the past three years, the third-lowest in the MAC, according to data from the CMU Employee Position Budgets. Ross’ base salary plus benefits for 2012-13 is $469,048, up from $460,013 in 2011-12, but down from $478,100 in 2010-11.

Executive and Vice President and Provost Gary Shapiro received a base salary of $253,000 in 2010-11 and 2011-12, and $258,693 in 2012-13. His base salary is the second-lowest in the MAC. Shapiro’s base salary plus benefits for 2012-13 is $329,982, more than $315,814 in 2011-12 and $316,913 in 2010-11.

“We at Central Michigan, we try to be competitive against all categories of faculty and staff … and the two top officials happen to be at the very lower end of the range,” Ross said.

Ball State University President Jo Ann M. Gora will receive a base salary of $431,244 in 2012-13, said Joan Todd, executive director of public relations at BSU. Of the MAC universities contacted, she has the highest base salary for a president. Provost and Vice President Terry King will earn $293,180.

University of Akron President Luis Proenza has the second-highest base salary of $425,250 in 2012-13, said Sarah Lane, public relations representative for UA. William “Mike” Sherman, senior vice president, provost and chief operating officer, will receive a base salary of $270,000.

Kent State University President Lester Lefton will receive a base salary of $417,799.68 in 2012, said Emily Vincent, director of media relations for KSU. Todd Diacon, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, will earn a base salary of $280,500.

Ohio University President Roderick McDavis will receive a base salary of $415,000 for the 2012-13 year, said Katie Quaranta, communications specialist for OU Communications and Marketing. Pam Benoit, executive vice president and provost, will receive $265,696.

University of Toledo President Lloyd Jacobs will earn a base salary of $392,700 in 2012-13, said Jonathan Strunk, media relations manager of U of T. Scott Scarborough, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, will receive a base salary of $389,000.

Miami University President David Hodge had a base salary of $387,600 in 2011, said Ritter Hoy, media relations and staff writer for Miami University. Bobby Gempesaw, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, received a base salary of $310,000.

According to a news release, University at Buffalo President Satish Tripathi received a base salary of $385,000 in 2011. He also will receive $115,000 per year from the State University of New York Research Foundation in addition to his base salary. Charles Zukoski, University at Buffalo provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, will earn $400,000 in 2012, according to an article on Buffalo’s NPR News Station. Zukoski has the highest base salary for a provost out of the MAC universities contacted.

Bowling Green State University President Mary Ellen Mazey earned a base salary of $375,100 in 2011-12, said David Kielmeyer, senior communications director at BGSU. Rodney Rogers, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, received a base salary of $259,963.

Western Michigan University President John M. Dunn will earn a base salary of $366,082 in 2012, said Cheryl P. Roland, executive director of university relations for WMU. Timothy Greene, provost and vice president for academic affairs, will receive a base salary of $228,910. Greene has the lowest base salary for a provost out of the MAC universities contacted.

Northern Illinois University President John G. Peters earned a base salary of $334,588.92 in the 2012 fiscal year, said Paul Palian, director of Media and Public Relations at NIU. Raymond W. Alden III, executive vice president and provost, earned $300,000.

Eastern Michigan University President Susan Martin will receive a base salary of $292,125 for the 2012-13 year, said Pamela Young, director of communications at EMU.  She receives the lowest base salary for a president out of the MAC universities contacted. Provost and Vice President Kim Schatzel will earn $275,000.

Ross said the job of president of an institution is very competitive, and all presidents face challenges in higher education. He said the amount of students at a university does not necessarily drive the salary of top officials, because CMU is larger than other MAC schools. He is the only person on campus whose salary has not changed since he took office as president.

“I guess I’m kind of happy to tell the world how modest my salary is compared to my colleagues,” Ross said.