College leaders earn less than peers

At approximately $190,000 a year, Westminster College President Michael Bassis is far behind a few presidents earning more than $1 million at other private colleges and universities around the country.

The Chronicle of Higher Education's annual look at what college and university presidents earn also turned up one yearly compensation package at a private institution worth more than $5 million. The Chronicle's report used 2003-04 data, the most recent available for private schools.

Four other private school bosses earned more than $1 million a year, according to the Chronicle.

"You don't have to worry about us being in that ballpark," said Brigham Young University spokeswoman Carri Jenkins.

Yet Jenkins wouldn't even approximate the annual salary for Cecil O. Samuelson, who is in his third year as president of BYU, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bassis is in his fourth year at Westminster. His total annual compensation package of more than $243,000, which includes his $190,000 salary, is determined by the school's Board of Trustees.

"I think (the board) thinks that's a fair salary," said Stephen Morgan, Westminster executive vice president.

The board, he added, bases the salary for Westminster's president on what similar schools pay.

"I do think college presidents — good ones — are in great demand," Morgan said. "They require unique skills to manage a complex enterprise."

The Chronicle's annual survey also indicated more and more presidents at both private and public institutions earn more than $500,000.

Most presidents here also get use of a car and a place to live for free. If they're president for at least seven years, another benefit in Utah is that they have a guaranteed job or "Regents Professorship" in a faculty position. Cecelia Foxley, who served 10 years as state commissioner of higher education, landed an adjunct post at the University of Utah, where she began teaching in January.

Some presidents also earn more by being on various boards or from extra compensation through private sources. At the University of Utah, for example, more than $150,000 is added to the president's pay in deferred income, insurance and other benefits.

But in Utah, only one publicly funded president, Salt Lake Community College's Cynthia Bioteau, is making more than the average of her peers, according to the most recent Utah System of Higher Education figures.

"I think the presidents generally feel they're well-paid, well-compensated," said Rich Kendell, Utah commissioner of Higher Education.

The pressure for more money, Kendell added, isn't coming from sitting presidents.