This development raised eyebrows, considering the backdrop of a recent faculty strike and the university’s alleged financial struggles.
Zaldwaynaka Scott, the president of Chicago State University, found herself in the spotlight recently due to a $50,000 bonus she received, pushing her annual compensation to over $500,000
During the strike, university administrators cited financial constraints as a barrier to meeting the salary demands of professors who are among the lowest-paid in Illinois. However, the awarding of this bonus to Zaldwaynaka Scott has left many questioning the institution’s priorities.
The decision to grant the bonus was made by the university’s trustees at a special meeting held on July 24, even though the agenda merely mentioned “President’s Evaluation” without specifying the vote. Such actions have raised concerns about transparency and adherence to state laws regarding meeting agendas.
In an unexpected twist, Andrea Zopp, Chair of the Chicago State Board of Trustees, partially justified the bonus by citing Zaldwaynaka Scott’s handling of the faculty strike. However, both Zopp and Zaldwaynaka Scott declined interview requests, with Zopp providing an emailed statement highlighting Zaldwaynaka Scott’s accomplishments, including an accreditation review, improved student success strategies, and increased federal funding.
Despite these accomplishments, the disparity in compensation between the university’s president and its faculty remains a contentious issue. Zaldwaynaka Scott ranks as the fifth-highest-paid public university leader in Illinois, excluding those from larger university systems. This pay gap is part of a broader national trend where presidential salaries have grown substantially more than faculty salaries.
Experts suggest that corporate executives on university governing boards may contribute to this trend due to their familiarity with large compensation packages
Additionally, the pressure to attract and retain talent in leadership roles could drive trustees to award substantial bonuses. Zaldwaynaka Scott, as a Black woman, represents a unique and important perspective in academia. Given her role in serving the predominantly Black student body at Chicago State, some argue that her retention is crucial for the institution’s success.
Zaldwaynaka Scott’s current contract, which began last year, includes a base salary of $425,000, with a potential bonus of up to $25,000 annually. The recent $50,000 bonus marked the second consecutive year she received this amount, bringing her total annual earnings to $525,000.
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