McRobbin’ the bank?

For undergraduate students, as opposed to donors, trustees or researchers,it’s often hard to judge IU President Michael McRobbie’s performance. His job, after all, doesn’t involve a lot of interaction with the largest University population – us.

However, the fundraising McRobbie spearheads, the grants he procures and the leadership role he holds for all eight IU campuses indirectly impacts every IU community member.

The better judges of McRobbie’s performance seemed to be satisfied when his compensation for 2009 was determined, as he received almost $60,000 more in total compensation last year than in 2008.

While it is hard to stomach this news in light of McRobbie’s recent enactment of a University-wide salary freeze, McRobbie’s salary still places him far below the country’s top-earning university presidents. The Chronicle of Higher Education recently reported that in 2008-2009 only one public university president’s compensation topped the $1 million mark (Hint: school’s mascot rhymes with duck eyes), as compared to 23 private school presidents in 2007-2008.

It’s reassuring to think that Indiana common sense has kept salaries within a reasonable range, but it’s disheartening to learn that McRobbie will bring home approximately one-fourth of what men’s basketball head coach Tom Crean will gross this year.

The issue of how much university presidents should be compensated as compared to athletes and coaches raises questions about the values of IU and of the higher education community and government. Because state schools such as IU receive substantial taxpayer subsidies, there is an obligation to operate within reasonable budgetary limits. However, the Hoosier athletic franchise brings significant wealth into the state’s economy, and part of sustaining and rebuilding that source of revenue is offering competitive compensation.

The same is true, in theory, for the highest levels of IU administration. Many university presidents exhibited understanding of the rough economic times by donating a meaningful portion of their income to student scholarships. The fact that McRobbie enjoyed a pay increase in a trying economy is understandable, as he is a major asset to the University and should be compensated accordingly. The same leadership qualities that make the president deserving of this raise will hopefully compel him to reconsider accepting such significant pay hikes as the recovery continues next year, especially if faculty and staff continue to make do with frozen salaries.

Meanwhile, this year we hope he follows his peers in dedicating some portion of his pay to helping others within the University as they weather the tail end of the recession.