Chronicle releases salary statistics

Presidential income recorded at $297,213

By SHAWNRENE KEPPEL, News Editor

Published: November 14, 2007

In nearly a decade as president of SPU, Phil Eaton's total compensation has grown by nearly $100,000.

In 1996-1997, Eaton's first full year as president, his total compensation was $200,899. In 2005-2006, the most recent year available, his total compensation was $297,213.

The information was released by The Chronicle of Higher Education on Monday. Each year The Chronicle compiles information on the compensation of presidents of public and private universities and colleges across the United States.

Eaton is the third highest paid president of a private university in Washington state, according to The Chronicle.

Ronald R. Thomas of the University of Puget Sound was the highest paid with a total compensation of $410,683. He was followed by Loren J. Anderson of Pacific Lutheran University who received $324,281.

The Chronicle gathered the total compensation for presidents to include the pay and benefits they receive. The pay is defined as all salaries, fees, bonuses and severance payments that are received. Benefits include health and pension plans.

Within all private universities in the United States, Eaton's salary was significantly lower than the presidents receiving the highest salaries within this category.

Richard M. Freeland of Northeastern University received the highest pay in 2005-2006 with a complete compensation of $2.8 million. He was followed by James P. Gallagher of Philadelphia University who received $2.5 million.

Both Freeland and Gallagher are no longer presidents of their respective universities.

Among universities that are part of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), Eaton received the seventh highest total compensation in 2005-2006.

Dallas Baptist University's president, Gary R. Cook, earned the most of CCCU president with a total compensation of $481,630. Cook was followed by Jon R. Wallace of Azusa Pacific University who received a total of $408,231.

After Wallace came Ronald L. Ellis of California Baptist University who received $368,537, followed by A. Duane Litfin of Wheaton College, who received $338,049. Clyde Cook of Biola University received a total compensation of $310,984, followed by Richard L. Roberts of Oral Roberts University received $306,054 in total compensation making him the fifth highest paid CCCU president in 2005-2006.

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