NDUS to address presidential pay

The North Dakota Board of Higher Education stopped short of making any changes to the pay of college presidents this week but vowed to address the issue later this year.

A compensation study suggests the leaders on several campuses are below those of “like” universities. The analysis puts UND President Andy Armacost on the lower end of the pay comparison scale.

Board member Casey Ryan says he knows several of the presidents are being recruited elsewhere and the pay boost would only cost some $200,000 dollars. Ryan suggested increasing the salaries immediately rather than wait until the budgeting process begins.  “Presidents leave for different reasons.  I don’t want to see us lose a president that we think is doing an excellent job because of compensation.”

Board member Jeffrey Volk says more time is needed to develop a complete plan of action.  “What is our philosophy for compensating presidents with all the pieces.”

Chancellor Mark Hagerott says he shares the urgency to address the issue right away – but allowing the budget process to play out in June makes some sense.

No action was taken at Thursday’s meeting.