 Troyer says the salary is reflective of her responsibilities -- both
have increased since coming to Illinois from the University of
Connecticut, where she served as Hogan's chief of staff."The pay
has stepped up with the responsibilities and magnitude ... (of)
issues that we have to tackle in the next two years in terms of
budget and gaining greater efficiencies," she said.
Troyer's salary is nearly $90,000 more than Kathleen Metz, former
executive assistant to Hogan's predecessor, B. Joseph White. But
Hogan's duties will not be limited to the office -- she is a former
sociology professor and might return to the classroom.
Troyer was at her boss's side during Thursday's board of trustees
meeting at the University of Illinois-Chicago, where they were
discussing that very issue. The board approved Troyer's salary.
"We don't stand in very good shape," Hogan said after the
meeting. "Everyone is very worried about (next year)."
The state's $13 billion deficit left the university with nearly
$300 million in unpaid bills as of June. Hogan is confident
Illinois' largest universities will be able to make good on these
bills before the end of the calendar year. He added that unless the
state is able to solve its budgetary crisis, the university will be
left "vulnerable" in the future.
The university's financial straits are partly to blame for the
cold reception Hogan received from some lawmakers. The board
approved a 9.5 percent tuition increase -- one of the lowest in the
country, Hogan said -- just prior to approving his $620,000 base
annual salary in May. His starting salary is a $170,000 increase
from White's base salary of $450,000.
State Sen. Martin Sandoval, D-Chicago, joined labor groups in
protesting the decision outside the same Chicago meeting room. He
was equally unhappy with news of Troyer's salary.
"This is once again a reflection that President Hogan is just an
extension of the past University of Illinois administration with no
regard for working families," he said.
White resigned last fall amid a scandal that revealed the
university had admitted students who did not meet academic standards
but had ties to state politicians.
Hogan, however, defended his longtime confidant.
"We can't pay a highly marketable ... faculty less than the
market rate or they're all going to leave," he said.
Hogan said he and the board are looking for ways to sustain the
system's operations cost without adversely affecting low-income
students. He is looking toward using capital investments, borrowing
and increased financial aid from the federal government, as well as
private donors, to alleviate the sting of the recession.
[to top of second column] |
The university is also working to cut costs and has demonstrated
at least one area of improvement. Illinois' largest school system
was able to save on utilities for the first time in years, thanks to
some energy-saving measures. The system's four campuses saved about
$30 million in the past two years.
Hogan, however, disapproved of some savings measures, taking aim
at unpaid furloughs for staff.
"Furlough days have been very destructive for faculty morale --
I'd like to get around that," he said.
Troyer brought a sunny demeanor and fire-engine red blazer to an
otherwise glib meeting. She is serving on an interim basis for now
and will transition to her full-time position on Monday. She said
she is already throwing herself into the new job -- partly because
she always thought she would follow her boss through academia.
Troyer began working for Hogan at the University of Iowa in 2004
as his assistant provost before following him to Connecticut.
She said she is not surprised by the eyebrows raised by the
Champaign News-Gazette's revelation that she will earn thousands
more than Gov. Pat Quinn -- who faces budget issues of his own.
"These are all legitimate concerns and people should hold us
accountable for what we're earning, and I expect to be held
accountable for my earnings," she said.
Neither Troyer nor her boss said they had received negative
feedback from the story -- yet.
"I haven't checked my e-mail," she said.
Neither had Hogan.
[Illinois
Statehouse News; By BILL McMORRIS]
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