Merit raise cut for University of Louisville president

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (AP) — University of Louisville trustees have scaled back a merit raise for school President James Ramsey, whose million-dollar-plus compensation has drawn criticism from some trustees and faculty.

The Courier-Journal (http://cjky.it/1I94co2 ) reports the school’s Board of Trustees voted 12-4 Friday to raise Ramsey’s base compensation of $624,000 by 3 percent — half the recommended amount. The newspaper says Ramsey’s total compensation will be $1.67 million this year.

It says a revised report from a consultant said Ramsey made $2.5 million in 2014. Ramsey disputes the report.

The trustees’ vote followed a heated debate at the board’s retreat at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in eastern Kentucky.

Trustee Craig Greenberg says Ramsey is paid more like a Wall Street banker than a public university president.

Board Chairman Dr. Robert Hughes says Ramsey deserved the full increase.

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Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

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