U.'s Machen is leaving — what about his staff?

Now that he's headed to Florida, what will happen to outgoing University of Utah President Bernie Machen's $1.8 million "cabinet" — the top echelon of U. officials who served under him?

It's one of a number of questions that pop up as Machen prepares for his Jan. 5 start as the CEO at University of Florida.

Another is: What was Machen worth to the U.?

Machen started in January 1998, making $198,748. Now his annual salary is at $271,000, not including a free place to live, a car, health benefits and a retirement plan. He's also on a bank board that pays him an extra $20,000 a year.

Still, over the past two years, with a tight budget brought on by limited state funding, Machen reportedly hasn't had a salary increase.

In Florida, Machen will make $375,000 a year and another $75,000 annual bonus based on his performance, according to a university spokesman. Machen will also be provided with a home.

"It's plenty of money for a dentist to be making," Machen acknowledged Friday, referring to his one-time profession. He'll have a five-year contract, which is renewable for another three years. "This will literally be my last job."

On a side note, the Florida Legislature came up with its own cap on how much the state will kick in — $225,000 — for the salary of a university president. The rest of Machen's salary will come from the university's private sources.

In Utah, the state funds all of a university president's salary, and there is no cap. The State Board of Regents sets the salary and decides on pay increases.

So, what about those serving under Machen?

Six of the nine people who are considered part of the U. president's administrative cabinet were actually appointed by Machen.

Those he appointed, along with their current annual salaries, include:

Lorris Betz, senior vice president for health sciences and dean of the School of Medicine, $397,506;

Arnold Combe, vice president for administrative services, $148,928;

Fred Esplin, vice president for university relations, $143,165;

Raymond Gesteland, vice president for research, $265,326;

Loretta Harper, vice president for human resources, $147,000;