New Report Highlights Growing Compensation For Public University Executives

A new report shows that compensation continues to climb for public university executives. 

The survey finds UNC President Margaret Spellings is the 13th highest paid public university president in the United States. N.C State Chancellor Randy Woodson is not far behind, ranking 19th.

Spellings was paid just over $977,000 in 2017, while Woodson was compensated about $826,000.

The News & Observer reports Woodson's salary was inflated because of the terms of his contract, which allows for an annual stipend paid through a special University Leadership Fund at N.C. State, as well as performance bonuses.

UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Carol Folt was further down the list, ranking 67th with a total pay of just over $604,000.

The annual report was published Sunday by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

The highest paid president in 2017 was James Ramsey of the University of Louisville, who has since been ousted in a legal battle with the school. Ramsey's earnings topped $4 million.