Wichita State president Rick Muma will make the same salary as his predecessor, according to a document obtained through a records request.
Muma’s official job offer from the Kansas Board of Regentsoutlines his new salary and other benefits.
He will make $450,000 a year — the same salary as former president Jay Golden, who resigned abruptly last fall.
That makes Muma the third-highest paid college president in Kansas. University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod makes about $650,000 a year; Kansas State President Richard Myers’ annual salary is just over $600,000.
Muma will live in the president’s home at 17th and Hillside on WSU’s campus. Other benefits include a vehicle provided by the WSU Foundation, with gas paid for by the university.
Muma also will receive up to $90,000 a year in “retention compensation” for up to five years, or a total of $450,000. Those funds will be from private sources within the WSU Foundation “and with the understanding that you will assist the Foundation with fundraising,” the document says.
The retention compensation is “in lieu of any separation or exit package upon your stepping down from the position,” it says.
Wichita State is still paying former president Golden through June for “consulting services,” according to the terms of his resignation last September.
Muma’s additional benefits from the WSU Foundation include dues, memberships and other expenses related to the presidency, as well as support for official travel and hospitality.
The letter of appointment was signed last week by Muma and Regents chairman Bill Feuerborn.
After Muma, the next highest paid Kansas university president is Tina Mason at Fort Hays State University, who makes about $328,000 a year. Emporia State President Allison Garrett makes about $310,000. Pittsburg State President Steven Scott’s annual salary is about $275,000.
As WSU’s provost in 2019, Muma’s salary was $280,000 a year.
