U of I can expect presidential pay to rise

URBANA, Ill. - An employee of the firm helping the University of Illinois search for a new president says the school should expect to pay a salary in line with its status as a top university.

Data that Laurie Wilder of Parker Executive Search presented Wednesday to members of the university's search committee made clear that will likely mean paying more than current President Bob Easter earns.

University spokesman Jan Dennis said Wilder told committee members the average compensation for Big Ten presidents is $780,000 a year and the average for presidents at top public universities the firm surveyed is $969,000. Easter is paid $552,375.

University trustees hope to have a new president hired in November.

Easter has said he plans to retire in January.