For the sixth year in a row, Michigan State University President Lou Anna K. Simon has turned down a salary increase.
Her annual salary will remain at $520,000, which was established by the MSU Board of Trustees in December 2007.
However, in recognition of her continued service to MSU, the board voted today to increase Simon’s annual retention bonus by $25,000, raising it to $125,000, an amount she will receive provided she continues service through Dec. 31.
In addition, for each year that she provides continuing service as president through Dec. 31 of the year, the retention bonus will be increased annually by a percentage equal to the total percentage increase available for non-union faculty raises.
The action was taken to ensure that the MSU president’s salary remain competitive with those of peer institutions. It is the intention of the board to keep the total compensation of the president in the mid-range among the presidents of the public universities in the Big Ten and other comparable institutions.
Simon and her husband, Roy, who is director of MSU Telecommunication and Transportation Systems, are members of MSU’s Clifton R. Wharton Donor Recognition Society.
The Simons’ current cash gifts to MSU exceed $1 million.
Following are other actions taken by the board at its December meeting.
• The board approved the appointment of Kemel Dawkins as vice president for strategic infrastructure planning and facilities. He comes to MSU from Rutgers University’s Newark campus, where he served as executive vice chancellor for administration.
• The board approved the appointment of Stephen Lacy as acting dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. Lacy is professor and director of graduate studies in the School of Journalism. He succeeds Pamela Whitten, who has been appointed provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of Georgia.
• The board authorized the administration to proceed with a major renovation project at Akers Hall. The project includes major infrastructure repairs to the electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems.
• The board authorized the administration to proceed with the replacement and upgrading of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in the C wing of the Clinical Center.
• Six students, all from the state of Michigan, received the Board of Trustees’ Scholarship Awards. See story here.