News Summary
Peter Mohler has been appointed as the new president of the University of Alabama, bringing an annual salary of $800,000. His contract includes performance bonuses and relocation assistance. Mohler steps into the role during a time of record enrollment but faces significant challenges, including ongoing legal issues and the impact of former immigration policies on international student numbers. His experience in higher education governance is expected to help address these issues as he officially begins his tenure in July 2024.
University of Alabama Appoints New President Amid Challenges
Tuscaloosa, AL – The University of Alabama (UA) has named Peter Mohler as its new president, with a contract that includes an annual salary of $800,000 through September 30, 2026. In addition to his salary, Mohler is eligible for performance bonuses totaling $225,000 over the next two years and will receive $30,000 to assist with relocation costs.
The appointment comes during a pivotal time for UA, which celebrated record enrollment figures of over 40,000 students last year. This growth is significant, considering the institution’s ongoing legal struggles and challenges related to enrollment policies, particularly regarding international students.
Salary Context
Peters’ compensation reflects a modest increase compared to his previous role as interim president at Ohio State University, where he earned $753,324 in 2023. His salary at UA is larger than that of the former president Stuart Bell, who was reported to have a base salary of $775,842 as of last July. Moreover, current UAB President Ray Watts reportedly earns over $1 million.
The financial landscape at UA also showcases significant salaries for its athletics staff. The swimming coach earns the lowest at $180,000, while the baseball coach has the highest contract, reported at $1.275 million. The football coach, Kalen DeBoer, has a staggering contract approximating $10 million.
Current University Challenges
Mohler’s tenure starts amid several pressing challenges, particularly a lawsuit involving the UA System board of trustees. This lawsuit has been brought forth by two professors and the student NAACP chapter, focusing on the interpretation of the state’s controversial anti-DEI law aimed at diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Moreover, the impact of immigration policies established during the Trump administration has been palpable on campus. These policies have led to a notable decline in international student enrollment, with at least one student reported to have self-deported as a direct consequence. Significant federal funding for research, particularly from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, was also terminated following executive orders, hindering UA researchers in critical academic fields.
Mohler’s Background
Mohler served as the vice president for research at Ohio State and briefly held the position of acting president in 2023. His extensive experience in higher education and institutional governance is expected to play a crucial role as he navigates UA’s current challenges and works toward sustaining its record enrollment.
With his official commencement date set for July 21, 2024, the university community is poised to observe how Mohler addresses the institutional challenges while leveraging UA’s recent achievements in student enrollment.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: New University of Alabama President to be Paid More Than $800,000
- Tuscaloosa News: How Much Does Chancellor Sid Trant Make?
- The Crimson White: How President Stuart Bell’s Income Stacks Up to Alabamians
- AL.com: Who is the Highest Paid College President in Alabama?
- The Lantern: University President Ted Carter Jr. Awarded 3.5% Salary Increase
- Wikipedia: University of Alabama
- Google Search: University President Salaries
- Google Scholar: University President Compensation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University Presidents
- Google News: University of Alabama
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