Excessive or Justified, UT Leaders Get Paid

The Texan reported today about a survey released in November by The Chronicle of Higher Education that compared the annual salaries of university presidents and leaders in the United States. UT President William Powers ranked second, earning an annual base salary of $552,500. In addition, he has access to a retirement package of around $47,000.

Powers responded, "I am surprised by this." He says the figure is skewed, claiming other presidents earn just as much when additional packages and benefits are later added to their base salaries.

In addition, the sixth highest paid leader of a U.S. public university is Mark Yudof, UT System Chancellor--liaison between UT institutions and UT Board of Regents. He makes $741,894 in total compensation, the projected amount he could make upon retirement.

That's all about as much as Bevo's shit when compared to coaches' salaries. Texas basketball coach Rick Barnes makes a little over $1.7 million, placing him among the top five highest basketball coaches in the US. Mack Brown's salary: a cool $2.55 million every year. That's after his 18% pay raise from a year ago, incentive for his 2006 National Championship win. Luckily, the salaries of Texas coaches comes from donations and revenue from the football program, not tuition or taxes. UT Women's Basketball coach Jody Conradt's base salary is $320,500.

Photo courtesy of zoomar on Flickr.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.