KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Saying it’s not a performance bonus, but an attempt to retain him, the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees has agreed to set aside $10,000 a year in deferred compensation for President Edward Montgomery each of the next three years, despite ongoing concerns from faculty and staff. The university’s board unanimously approved the move during its meeting this past Thursday.
The money will serve as a 2%-a-year raise for Montgomery, who started as president in 2017. Montgomery’s base pay is $493,290. The $30,000 will be placed in a deferred compensation before July 1. Montgomery will be eligible to get the funds in $10,000 yearly payments if he stays at the school.
This is the second raise Montgomery has received since faculty voted in December 2021 for a symbolic no-confidence vote against him. The same week as that vote, the board approved a $75,000 bonus for the president.
In a memo posted on the school’s website, the board said “WMU’s long-term pivot to become more competitive and impactful is beginning to bear fruit and the next three years will be pivotal in Western’s history. This is the moment to reach the full measure of ambition and President (Edward) Montgomery’s continued leadership will be essential to capitalizing on this moment.”
Since taking over, Montgomery has led an aggressive construction schedule on campus, including tearing down old buildings. He also announced a record $550 million donation to Western last summer from an anonymous donor.
According to a report in the Detroit Free Press, staff and faculty believe the building boom has backfired, with increased debt payments being blamed in part for steep staffing cuts at WMU once COVID-19 hit.
The report says there were also concerns about changes in how the university budgets and spends its money.
