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UF President Gets Extension, Raise

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The Associated Press

Published: December 23, 2007

Updated: 12/22/2007 10:22 pm

GAINESVILLE - Despite a hiring freeze and other cost-savings measures in place at the state's 11 public universities, President Bernie Machen has received an extension and a healthy pay boost from the University of Florida trustees.

The deal keeps Machen at the school through 2012 and boosts his total compensation to more than $1 million in the final year of the contract.

He will get $730,000 in 2008, then a 14 percent hike to $830,000 from 2009 through 2011 before a $1.2 million package in the final year of the contract. The figures represent salary, car allowance, retirement payments and bonuses.

"It's a done deal," UF spokesman Steve Orlando said Saturday.

The state cap on presidential salaries is $225,000. The remainder of Machen's money will be paid by the UF Foundation, UF Athletic Association and Shands HealthCare, where he serves as chairman of the board.

If Machen leaves at the end of 2011, a year before his contract ends, he would be entitled to a $300,000 bonus. If he stays through 2012, he'll get an extra $100,000 retention bonus. Additionally, Machen will collect $100,000 instead of taking a sabbatical in 2009.

Trustee Al Warrington was the lone trustee to oppose the contract extension Friday. Warrington has not spoken about his reasons for opposing the extension.

At Machen's request, the contract also guarantees that he'll never be without technical computer support at his home during his association with the school.

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