Trustees laud Ramsey at annual retreat

The University of Louisville Board of Trustees gave UofL President James Ramsey a glowing job evaluation and four percent raise at its annual retreat July 11-12. The board’s compensation committee recommended a six percent increase but Ramsey requested the smaller pay hike, saying it was in line with the average salary increase that will go to other UofL faculty and staff. July 12, 2013

“I think that’s very magnanimous of him (Ramsey),” said trustee Dr. Robert Hughes, chair of the compensation committee.

Ramsey’s annual job evaluation is based largely on goals set and met by Ramsey and his leadership team. Board members cited Ramsey’s leadership on reaching the majority of goals set including those related to graduation rates, baccalaureate degrees awarded, diversity, fund raising and athletics.

“He has fruitfully and passionately led this university to a very successful year,” said trustee Phoebe Wood, who noted the value of Ramsey’s background in budgeting and finance.

Ramsey’s total salary was $600,000 last school year: $270,260 from the university and $329,740 from the privately-funded UofL Foundation.  The four percent raise approved by the trustees applies only to Ramsey’s university salary, though the foundation board has historically approved the same percentage as given by the university. The trustees also recommended to the foundation board that it pay Ramsey a bonus equal to 25 percent of his total salary ($150,000) per terms of his contract.  The bonus would be paid into Ramsey’s retirement account.  The foundation board is scheduled to meet July 25th.

The trustees also:

  • Approved a new bachelor degree in public health
  • Approved five year reviews and continued employment for School of Music Dean Chris Doane and Vice President for Information Technology Priscilla Hancock
  • Received training on NCAA compliance, the Clery Act, conflict of interest  and ethics rules
  • Heard an update on the 21st Century University initiative

The next meeting of the full board of trustees is scheduled for Sept. 12.