U of I considers raise, extension for athletic director
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — University of Illinois trustees are considering giving Athletic Director Mike Thomas a raise and a contract extension.
Trustee James Montgomery said Thursday that under the proposal Thomas’ base pay would be increased to $554,000 and extended by two years. Thomas was hired in 2011 on a five-year contract with a base salary of $475,000.
A trustees’ committee will consider the proposal Thursday in Chicago. Any changes would eventually have to be approved by the full board of trustees that governs the university.
Urbana-Champaign campus Chancellor Phyllis Wise is Thomas’ boss. She declined to discuss details of the proposal but said she is pleased with Thomas’ work.
Thomas has led the renewed project to renovate the State Farm Center and hired football coach Tim Beckman and basketball coach John Groce.