The College Fix

A string of recent senior administrative departures at research universities has raised questions about the structure of such retreat compensation agreements, often called “golden parachutes,” including large salaries, extended time off, light workloads, and the right to tenure. While the necessity of these deals is the major question at a lot of institutions, they also raise philosophical concerns, such as why a traditional faculty position — often viewed as a fairly well-paying and flexible job by the public — just isn’t good enough for former administrators.

“It seems like the surest and best way to a good salary is by becoming an administrator, even a failed former administrator,” said Terrel Gallaway, an economics professor and chairman of the Faculty Senate at Missouri State University, which in the last two years has seen the departure of two presidents, both with large compensation packages for their post-presidency jobs. “There’s a sense that you can’t be as financially successful just by being an excellent teacher or researcher.”

Read the full story at Inside Higher Ed.

Like The College Fix on Facebook / Follow us on Twitter