GOP Lawmaker Proposes Salary Caps for University Presidents

Senator David Farnsworth, head of the Senate Education Committee, has expressed strong concerns over the salaries of the presidents of Arizona’s three state universities, deeming them “obscenely high.”

In response, Farnsworth has introduced SB1453, a bill aimed at capping their salaries at $500,000 annually—a figure significantly lower than their current earnings.

This legislation includes measures to restrict the Arizona Board of Regents from circumventing the salary cap. Additionally, it proposes limiting bonuses and benefits to 15% of the presidents’ salaries, contingent on performance that directly benefits the university’s students, staff, or faculty.

Governor Katie Hobbs has expressed skepticism towards the bill, despite her own salary of $90,000 being substantially lower than that of the university presidents. Her general fund budget responsibilities are approaching $18 billion.

“I support cutting expenses where we can,” Hobbs stated, but she emphasized the importance of attracting top talent. “Legislators should not hinder our universities in this pursuit,” she added.

Currently, Arizona State University President Michael Crow tops the salary scale with a base salary of $892,532, complemented by a $70,000 housing allowance and a $10,000 automobile allowance. His retirement contributions amount to 21% of his base salary, alongside potential additional compensation of $245,000 linked to performance milestones.

The University of Arizona’s Suresh Garimella has a base salary of $810,000, along with a vehicle allowance and retirement benefits at 18% of his salary. He can earn an extra $225,000 by meeting performance goals related to budget control and successful sports management.

Northern Arizona University President Jose Luis Cruz Rivera receives a base salary of $712,925, along with various allowances and the potential for $190,000 in additional compensation for achieving specific objectives.

Farnsworth, reflecting on his own modest background, articulated his perspective on high salaries. “I was raised poor, and my children grew up poor by today’s standards,” he explained. “These salaries are simply too high.”

Hobbs did not deny the disparity between her salary and those of university presidents. However, she contended that evaluating their pay should focus on the results they deliver.

“Arizona is home to world-class universities engaged in vital research,” she noted. The governor, however, refrained from addressing whether the university presidents are solely responsible for these successes, as much of the work is conducted by deans and faculty.

Farnsworth dismissed the argument that higher salaries yield better candidates. “I have not been impressed with what the university presidents have delivered,” he asserted, mentioning financial issues faced by the University of Arizona as a case in point.

His criticism extends beyond university presidents to public agency leaders as well, insisting that high salaries should be reserved for the private sector. “If someone wants a big salary, they should work in the free market,” he stated.

Moreover, Farnsworth has reservations about high salaries within non-profit organizations. “When I see one, I often inquire about the CEO’s compensation,” he remarked. “A large salary often indicates a priority on profit over service.”