University president should not be given so much compensation amid budget cuts - Editorial Board, Central Michigan Life

George Ross will earn $400,000 in his first year once he assumes his position March 1 as university president. This is a $47,443 pay increase over former university president Micheal Rao, who had been with Central Michigan University for eight years before leaving for the same position at Virginia Commonwealth University.With CMU’s budget in a crisis and Michigan’s economy continuing its struggles, it is difficult to justify paying Ross so much money in his first year at CMU. The Board of Trustees would say Ross’ salary is comparable given inflation and necessary to bring in a qualified candidate. But the university is taking a risk in potentially overpaying someone who does not have years of experience to back such a high salary.