Leaders of the University of Wisconsin system approved substantial pay raises for several chancellors.
Chancellor Pay Raises and Bonuses Aim to Secure Talent and Competitiveness
Leaders of the University of Wisconsin system have approved substantial pay raises for several chancellors including Jennifer Mnookin of UW-Madison in a bid to enhance retention and competitiveness. This decision, endorsed via a voice vote by the regents aims to prevent talent loss which could prove costlier than investing in leadership. Mark Pitsch, a spokesperson for UW emphasized the need to align salaries with those offered by other Big 10 universities to retain top-tier leaders, according to the report of Times Union.
The approved raises total $155,201 for eight out of thirteen chancellors. Mnookin will receive the largest increase a 10% raise boosting her salary to $892,663 annually from $811,512. Michael Alexander, Tammy Evetovich, Thomas Gibson, and Corey King will each receive 5% raises while Lynn Akey, Katherine Frank, and Renee Wachter will see 2% increases. However, Mark Mone of UW-Milwaukee, James Beeby of UW-La Crosse, James Schmidt of UW-Eau Claire, Andrew Leavitt of UW-Oshkosh, and Maria Gallo of UW-River Falls did not receive raises citing alignment with peer benchmarks.
In addition to salary adjustments, bonuses tied to freshmen retention goals were introduced. Chancellors meeting these targets can earn bonuses up to 15% of their salary. Mnookin, however, is ineligible for these bonuses but stands to receive substantial retention payments as long as she stays at UW-Madison starting at $150,000 by mid-2025 and potentially reaching $350,000 by 2028-2029.
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(photo: WPR)
Financial Strain and Political Uncertainty Shape UW System’s Strategic Pay Raises
The decision comes amid financial challenges exacerbated by declining enrollment and stagnant state aid leading to recent closures of branch campuses. Despite a 4% tuition increase last year following a decade-long freeze many four-year schools face projected deficits. Governor Tony Evers plans to seek $800 million for the system in the next budget with regents advocating for broader pay raises for all UW employees.
Looking forward, political dynamics could influence funding outcomes, with uncertainty surrounding Republican support for such a significant budget allocation. Key legislative figures did not immediately comment on the raises hinting at potential debates over state funding priorities.
In summary, while the pay raises aim to boost leadership stability and competitiveness and they occur against a backdrop of financial strain and political uncertainty highlighting ongoing challenges facing the University of Wisconsin system.
