Raises approved for college presidents

FARGO — The North Dakota Board of Higher Education dumped across-the-board raises for college presidents but insisted they all deserved across-the-board praise.

The panel approved salary increases of between 1 percent and 2.75 percent for most presidents at its monthly meeting Thursday, based on recommendations from university system Chancellor William Goetz. But Goetz and board president Richie Smith said the presidents graded out evenly.

“The ones that got less, it doesn’t mean they did less,” Smith said after the meeting. “All of the presidents are doing a good job.”

A year ago, the board approved 4 percent raises to all presidents who were eligible for increases, saying it needed to make salary ranges competitive with other states. It told Goetz to base future salary boosts on merit.

Four presidents received 1 percent raises, including the leaders at the state’s three community colleges. Goetz said the varying rates were due mainly to salary ranges set by the board.

“Performance is not a factor as to why presidents got 1 percent. Not at all,” Goetz said. “It was a matter of where they’re at in the range, and solidifying that with their performance.”

The board voted 7-1 in favor of the raises. Board member Claus Lembke of Bismarck said he didn’t feel he had enough information to approve the numbers, including the fact that Goetz’s performance evaluations of all the presidents are not completed.

“I just wanted to register that I didn’t feel real comfortable,” Lembke said.

The board approved salaries of:

— $317,460 for the University of North Dakota’s Robert Kelley;

— $189,000 for Minot State’s David Fuller;

— $173,316 for Dickinson State’s Dick McCallum, North Dakota State College of Science’s John Richman, and Bismarck State’s Larry Skogen;

— $165,633 for Valley City State’s Steve Shirley;

— $164,424 for Mayville State’s Gary Hagen;

— $158,730 for Lake Region State’s Mike Bower; and

— $153,000 for Williston State’s Ray Nadolny.

The contract for North Dakota State’s Dean Bresciani was set when he was hired last month. He makes $300,000.

The board approved a 2.75 percent raise for Goetz, increasing his salary to nearly $214,000. Smith said Goetz’s salary had been lower than others in similar positions.

“But it’s somewhat merit based,” Smith said afterward. “Bill’s doing fine and meeting his objectives.”

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