The UNC System Board of Governors voted Friday to approve pay increases for 11 chancellors across the 17-campus system.
Some chancellors were not eligible for a pay raise – either in the form of a salary increase or a bonus – because they have been in their role for fewer than two years, which is the threshold to be considered for a raise.
UNC – Chapel Hill Chancellor Carol Folt did not receive a raise or bonus, despite leading the system’s flagship university since 2013. System President Margaret Spellings said after Friday’s vote that Folt is approaching her quadrennial review by the campus Board of Trustees.
“Her board came and asked us to push it off a bit,” Spellings said. “And so at that time, I think the board felt, was the more appropriate time to consider enhanced compensation for her.”
Spellings added that pending review was also the reason Folt did not receive a bonus at this time.
“I think they felt like all of these things ought to culminate together,” she said, “that we shouldn’t have the compensation separate from the performance discussion, particularly when a major review was coming up in just a few months.”
Friday’s vote marked the fourth time the university system has raised the pay of chancellors since 2015. Performance-based bonuses have also been implemented under the leadership of Spellings.
North Carolina State Chancellor Randy Woodson received a raise totaling more than $31,000, bringing his salary – which had been equal to Folt’s – to more than $664,000. Woodson also received a contract extension in a separate vote on Friday.
Member of the Board of Governors Bob Rucho voted against the package of salary increases on Friday, voicing his opposition in the open session of the meeting that came after more than two hours of closed session discussion.
“There’s one individual that’s included in this package….[who] has demonstrated some unprofessional behavior,” Rucho said. “And because of that, I have to vote against the entire package.”
Rucho was approached after the vote and repeatedly answered “No” when asked if he would expound on his claim or identify the individual or action that he felt was unprofessional.
Board chairman Harry Smith said after Friday’s meeting that he was unaware of the source of Rucho’s complaint.
“I’ve not discussed it with him in any way, shape, form or fashion,” Smith said. “Each member has their own views and opinions.”
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