Washington State U.: Washington State U. faculty react to pay raise.

(From University Wire)

Byline: Catherine Toolson

The Washington State University Board of Regents approved a large salary increase for President V. Lane Rawlins on May 7. Rawlins currently earns a base wage of $254,065 per year. Beginning June 1, his base salary will be upped to $300,000 per year.

Rawlins' deferred compensation plan also will increase annually from $50,000 to $110,000, and he will continue to receive $40,000 each year through his retention plan.

President Rawlins had turned down the offer of a salary increase twice after being hired as president in June 2000.

The board wished to keep Rawlins' salary competitive with the presidents of comparable institutions, said Board of Regents President William Marler. Marler credits Rawlins for building an administrative structure that has held together despite decreasing state support and tremendous fiscal pressure.

"That was important, as he's one of our best assets," Marler said. "He's one of the best presidents in the country. What we are paying him is still a bargain." "It was well-deserved," said Tom Brigham, the executive assistant to the president. "Certainly, Rawlins has made a major difference in the university and its perception of itself and its status in the country in terms of its ranking." Some WSU faculty members question the timing and amount of the pay raise.