Foundation pays campus president’s wife

FARGO (AP) — North Dakota State University President Joseph Chapman’s wife, Gale, is being paid a salary of $50,000 a year from the NDSU Development Foundation, a spokeswoman says.

NDSU spokeswoman Najla Amundson said the salary has been paid for several years. It was increased to $50,000 about a year ago, she said.

“The rationale for the salary is that she plays an intricate role in fundraising for the university,” Amundson said. “She’s expected to be at meetings, her presence is seen, she’s involved in civic organizations.”

The NDSU Development Foundation is the private nonprofit that is set up as the fundraising arm for NDSU. Its executive director, Jim Miller, did not return calls seeking comment.

Funding for the salary comes from the foundation’s general fund, which includes donations that are not designated for scholarships or another purpose, Amundson said.

Wade Hannon, an associate professor in NDSU’s counselor education program and president of a public employees group chapter, said he was shocked to learn of Gale Chapman’s salary.

“I think at best it’s questionable, especially given the huge salary that the president is making,” Hannon said.

Joseph Chapman will be paid $424,000 this year, including $75,000 in deferred compensation from the foundation and an $11,000 vehicle allowance from the state. He also is provided housing.

Chapman also has access to an account through the foundation that last year totaled $260,000. Amundson said the account is for the president’s office and for university business that cannot be covered by NDSU.

Vice presidents and deans also have access to that account, which is funded with the foundation’s general fund, Amundson said.

Nationwide, more universities are beginning to pay spouses of presidents, especially because they help with fundraising, said Raymond Cotton, a lawyer in Washington, D.C., who specializes in presidential contracts.

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