UCCSN Presidents to Receive Long Awaited Pay Raise

LAS VEGAS- After two years without a merit increase, most Nevada university and community college presidents today received word that they would see a small jump in their salaries next year.

The Nevada Board of Regents approved a request this afternoon to provide a long awaited merit increase for the presidents of UNLV, TMCC, WNCC and DRI.

"Our campus presidents have worked hard to face challenges during difficult times over the past three years and it is vital that we recognize those efforts," said Dr. Jane Nichols, chancellor of the University and Community College System of Nevada.

"The recent presidential searches we have conducted at four of our eight instititutions have shown us that we need to stay competitive with the open market if we not only want to attract top talent, but retain the remarkable leaders we are fortunate to have today," said Nichols.

UNLV President Carol Harter, for instance, received a $6,599 equity increase, bringing her salary to $201,000, in response to the July hiring of UNR President John Lilley at $199,000.

Dr. Carol Lucey, president of Western Nevada Comunity College, and Dr. Stephen Wells, president of the Desert Research Institute, will each receive a $4,160 increase, bringing their annual salaries to $139,360 and $183,040 respectively.

Dr. Rita Huneycutt, interim president of Truckee Meadows Community College, received a $3,182 increase for a total annual salary of $145,767. Dr. Huneycutt's merit increase was based on her previous position as a vice president at the college.

Dr. Richard Moore, president of Nevada State College, requested that he not be considered for a salary increase this year.

Dr. Ron Remington, president of Community College of Southern Nevada, and Dr. John Lilley were not eligible for salary increases since they started their presidencies in July 2001.

Under the direction of Chancellor Nichols, all increases were based on a flat rate rather than a percentage. In addition, all merit increases will take effect January 1, 2002, rather than be retroactive to July 1, 2001, which is the standard policy.

The merit increases were originally brought to the Board in July as an information item. Board policy dictates that presidential salary increases be considered over two meetings.

The Nevada Board of Regents is the elected, 11-member governing body for the University and Community College System of Nevada. Comprising two doctoral granting universities, a state college, four comprehensive community colleges and one internationally acclaimed research institute, the UCCSN serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to nearly 100,000 students.