CMU Board of Trustees makes end of year business deals

By: Michael McArthur


CMU’s Board of Trustees met last Thursday to conduct end of the year business and to begin planning for next year. One aspect of business that was conducted was the increase of President Michael Rao’s contract and salary.

President Rao’s contract was extended to the year 2016 and he will also see a 3% salary rise going from $293,550 to $302,357. Rao is currently in his 8th year as the President of CMU making him the third longest serving university president in the state of Michigan.

While it seems that Rao has put in the time and effort to warrant such a raise, there are those who are skeptical about the extension and salary hike. Flint senior LaMarcus Howard represents those who are skeptical.

“Granted President Rao has put in the years to warrant the money, but we are just coming off the threat of a faculty strike,” Howard said. “If he was given a raise just because the Board thought he deserved one at this time, I find the timing very interesting.”

Along with the salary rise, the board also approved an increase in the president's retention bonus from $80,000 to $100,000.

Howard also went on to say that with big salary increases comes more responsibility and that he believes President Rao should take a more hands on approach with the university now that he has been granted a larger contract.

In addition to the extension of the president’s contract the board said goodbye to chairman Jeffrey R. Caponigro and vice chairman John G. Kulhavi. Both men’s trustee terms expire at the end of the year, but they will stay on board until Governor Granholm names their successors.