By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
BGSU President Rodney Rogers received a $55,500 raise Friday, bringing his annual salary to $480,000.
Rogers was also given a cash bonus of $84,900, which he declined to accept and redirected to the foundation to benefit students.
The pay raise brings Rogers to the midpoint of leaders of similar higher education institutions in Ohio. With his prior salary of $424,500, he was the lowest paid among presidents of Ohio University, Miami University, Kent State University, University of Toledo, Akron, Cleveland State and Wright State.
When Rogers’ took over after Mary Ellen Mazey left in January of 2018, he accepted her salary of $424,500.
In addition to the raise, which was effective on July 1, 2019, Rogers was also given a contribution of 20 percent of his salary to his deferred compensation.
BGSU Board of Trustees Chairman Daniel Keller said it was important that Rogers’ salary be comparable to presidents’ pay at similar institutions.
“As we’ve done with our faculty, our goal was to bring him to the midpoint of compensation among these comparable universities,” Keller said. “As an institution, it’s critical that we offer competitive salary and benefits to attract and retain the best and brightest people to support our students. That includes our chief executive.”
Keller referred to Rogers’ job performance as “exceptional.”
Rogers’ performance review noted BGSU’s gains in enrollment, the implementation of the university’s updated strategic plan, gains in private fundraising support, and new public and private partnerships with Cedar Fair and Mercy Health.
“President Rogers has done an outstanding job ensuring the quality and value of a BGSU degree and meeting the objectives of our new strategic plan,” Keller said. “Under his leadership, we’ve launched innovative partnerships that will expand opportunities for our students while helping meet the employment needs of our state.”
All that helps BGSU meet its goal of serving the public, Keller added.
“Through our teaching and research, BGSU is creating public good for Ohio and beyond. We couldn’t be happier with his performance.”
Keller also mentioned the recent ranking of BGSU as third among public universities in the nation for teaching quality and first among Midwest universities for student satisfaction.
“BGSU continues to be recognized for quality and value of a BGSU degree,” he said.
Board Vice President Betty Montgomery praised Rogers and his staff for making strides and being willing to take on more long-term goals.
“I think Rodney, and your team, have done a remarkable job,” Montgomery said.
Rogers thanked the board for their confidence and the positive job review.
“Thank you very much for your support and your evaluation,” he said. But he stressed that rather than keeping the cash bonus, he wished to put that toward a university foundation that helps students.
“I thank the board for their vote of confidence,” Rogers said, adding his praise for faculty and staff that help the university meet its goals.
