Public college presidents' pay

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Collectively, we are paying about 1.5 million dollars for public college presidents in western Massachusetts. State colleges and universities across the country are slashing budgets, but at least one person on campus is still fairing quite well during these tough financial times, the college presidents.

The average salary for public college presidents in western Massachusetts is a little less than $200,000. Here’s the breakdown:

• Berkshire Community College $154,171.60
• Greenfield Community College $172,975.60
• Holyoke Community College $202,380.89
• Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts $190,236.78
• Mount Wachusett Community College $215,908.10
• Springfield Technical Community College $174,835.91
• Westfield State College $200,000.00

Incoming UMass Amherst Chancellor Robert Holub has signed a three-year contract that will pay him $375,000 annually. The university will also place an amount equal to 7 percent of his salary, or about $26,000, into an investment fund of his choice. Fringe benefits include the use of a leased car and $8,000 for the cost of life or disability insurance.

A survey of CEO compensation at 10 comparable institutions released by the UMass president’s office shows earnings ranged from $260,100 to $648,720. The average compensation was $477,282 and the median was $489,473.

Holub’s compensation is competitive with what is being paid at public research institutions in New England. According to a recent survey, public college presidents make on average $427,000 a year.

William Messner, Holyoke Community College President, said “I think it puts our salaries into context. There are people making a lot more than we do."

A survey of CEO compensation at 10 comparable institutions released by the UMass president's office shows the average compensation was $477,000.

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