Video:  Ala. college presidents make top 25 list

By Linda White
Reporter
Published: November 18, 2008

As part of it’s annual survey, the Chronicle of Higher Education computes the total compensation package.  That includes salary, deferred salary and other benefits.  Using that formula Auburn’s president is the highest paid public university president here in our state.

On the job for 18 months, Auburn’s Dr. Jay Gogue is the state’s highest paid public university president.  That’s according to the Chronicle for Higher Education.

Auburn Spokesperson Deedie Dowdle said, “Dr. Gogue’s salary is competitive.  It’s not lower than average, it’s a very competitive salary, 450 thousand per year, and the board of trustees made the decision to move that presidential salary up so that it would be competitive.“

With deferred compensation-Dr Gogue gets 725-thousand dollars.  He’s 12th on the list.  UA President Dr. Robert Witt and UAB President Dr. Carol Garrison tied at 24th, both earning more than 600 thousand dollars a year.

Vice Chancellor for UA System Relations, Kellee Reinhart said, “We’re frankly very pleased, CEO’s compensation somewhat keeping pace.“

According to the Chronicle - the average pay for presidents is just over 450 thousand dollars.  As our state faces pro-ration and possible fee increases for college students - the question for some - is the pay justifiable?  Are students, faculty and staff getting their money’s worth?  Auburn’s spokesperson said, Alabama’s college presidents work very hard as CEO’s and fundraisers.

Dowdle said, “If Dr. Gogue is any example, he works 24/7 he works weekends, evenings, and I think that we ask an awful lot of our university presidents.“

Dowdle also sites Dr. Gogue’s implementing the university’s first strategic plan in ten years.  The UA system relies on it’s chancellor to set college president salaries.  He in turn looks to other comparable companies and businesses of the same size.  The UA system has fifty thousand students and the same amount of employees with a 4.5 billion dollar annual budget.