UA officials' salaries low compared to some nationally
Jordain Carney
Issue date: 3/27/09 Section: News
They may not compare to the bonuses handed out in corporations like AIG, but the salaries of public university administrators have gained attention in the Arkansas Legislature, most recently in the Senate. Sen. Gilbert Baker, a Republican from Conway, sponsored Senate Bill 55, which earlier this month became Act 321. The act calls for an increased transparency in university officials' salaries, and specifically states that "a state-supported institution of higher education shall submit a report listing each administrator at the state-supported institution of higher education who earns a salary of $100,000 or more to the Higher Education Coordinating Board."
According to the Arkansas Times, UA Chancellor G. David Gearhart makes more than $280,000 a year ($224,286.52 from public funds and $58,253.48 from private funds). Because of how recently these numbers were obtained, they are probably very accurate, said Steve Voorhies, manager of media relations for the Office of University Relations.
The Razorback Foundation also has paid Gearhart $50,000 a year to speak and fundraise on its behalf.
"He has been under that contract in the past," said Jackie Rollins, chief financial officer for the Razorback Foundation. She said that while he had been paid $50,000 as recently as last year - making his pay more than $300,000 - she was not sure if he was still under that contract for this year.
UA students have mixed opinions about the chancellor's salary. Student Blair Brown said that considering Gearhart was given a house on campus, she thinks "$300,000 is a bit much."
But UA student Mary Helen Smith said she previously thought the chancellor was making $500,000 or $600,000 and thinks the UA is "getting a deal."
Smith said that she would be interested in seeing Gearhart's salary compared to officials' salaries at other southeastern schools, like the University of Tennessee.
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