5 Utah college presidents say thanks, but no thanks to regents' raise

SALT LAKE CITY — After the Utah Board of Regents unanimously decided to give raises to all of Utah's presidents of higher learning, many of Utah's university and college leaders are saying thanks, but no thanks.

Perhaps sensing that under current tough economic times it would be politically unwise, perhaps thinking it isn't worth risking alienating state lawmakers who have threatened to tighten funding, or perhaps fearing it would create sour feelings among staff and faculty who haven't seen a pay raise in several years — whatever the reason, some presidents have made it clear they can live without the raise.

Last Friday, the Board of Regents voted to give raises totaling $100,000 to eight of Utah's college and university presidents. The board also voted to commission an in-depth study to look at further raising salaries to keep Utah competitive in its search for presidents. Officials say the salaries for all of Utah's education presidents are 20 to 30 percent lower than national averages.

Regents Chairman David Jordan said it was necessary to raise salaries in order to keep talented presidents and attract new ones. The University of Utah is currently shopping for a replacement after Michael Young left last year to take a job at University of Washington.

Shortly after the Board of Regents voted for the raises, the trend to turn down the offer began with Utah State University President Stan Albrecht.

"In light of the current economic climate and in consideration for the many faculty and staff at Utah State University who have received no change in compensation for several years, I thought my request was appropriate," Albrecht stated in an open letter Friday, saying he planned to give his 4 percent raise — just over $11,000 — to the Aggie Promise Scholarship fund. The fund provides support for first-generation students attending USU who have no other way of paying for tuition.

Weber State University President Ann Milner has indicated she will make a gift to the WSU Foundation, according to a university spokesman. Milner has not said whether that donation will include the entire $18,278 pay increase, or just a portion of it.

In an open letter to staff and faculty sent Sunday, Snow College President Scott Wyatt said he would not take the raise until the Legislature approves the college's budget request for salary increases for faculty and staff.