Ferguson's base salary to top state, university lists

Ball State’s new president, Paul Ferguson, will receive nearly double his previous salary when he takes office this August.

Ferguson will receive a base salary of $450,000 — this alone would make him the 25th highest paid government employee in Indiana, according to Indystar.com, which has the most recent data available. Current President Jo Ann Gora had a base salary of $446,338 and with all of her compensation, she was Indiana’s 10th highest paid government employee for the fiscal year with $941,597.50.

Ferguson’s nearly half-million dollar salary, not including any future auxiliary compensations, makes him the second highest paid Indiana public university president beneath Indiana University's President Michael McRobbie, whose base salary is $533,120. McRobbie’s full compensation for the fiscal year is $974,096.85 — just above Gora for the state’s paid government employees.

While Ferguson’s pay is near the top in Indiana, it falls just below the national median for public university presidents. The average sits at $464,500, according to a study released by the Chronicle for Higher Education.

Here is a look at how Ferguson’s salary stacks up:

Ball State:

When Ferguson takes office Aug. 1, his base salary of $450,000 will place him as second highest employee at the university. This is the list of the current budget:

1. Pete Lembo, football head coach: $475,000
2. Jo Ann Gora, president: $446,338
3. Randy Howard, vice president of business affairs: $320,500
4. Terry King, provost and vice president: $307,840
5. James Whitford, men’s head basketball coach: $275,000
6. Source: Records obtained by The Daily News

Base salaries for Indiana’s five top paid presidents at public universities:

1. Indiana University’s Michael McRobbie: $533,120
2. Ball State’s Jo Ann Gora: $446,338
3. Purdue University’s Mitch Daniels: $420,000
4. Indianapolis Ivy Tech’s Thomas Snyder: $300,000
5. Indiana State University’s Daniel Bradley: $290,775

Source: iu.edu, Purdue.edu, ivytech.edu, indianaeconomicdigest.com and the Daily News

Five things Paul W. Ferguson could buy with one year’s base salary:

1. RAM Island in Maine
2. Lamborghini Aventador
3. Nearly a year’s stay in a junior suite king at the Ritz Hotel in London
4. Tuition for 51 in-state Ball State students for 2014-15, with about $8,000 to spare
5. Cessna Citation I/SP private jet, with a few thousand to spare

Sources: privateislandsonline.com, lamborghini.com, bsu.edu, theritzlondon.com, aso.com

• ' ... A job left undone
• 15th Ball State President Paul Ferguson impresses students with easygoing, personable demeanor
• Current University of Maine President Ferguson plans on head start at Ball State

Read More

'It’s a full circle type of thing:' Wapahani's Isaac Andrews, Delta's D'Amare Hood compete in Hoosier Reunion All-Star Classic

By Zach Carter / 6 hours ago

Wapahani senior Isaac Andrews and Delta senior D'Amare Hood played for the Terhune Tigers in the Hoosier Reunion All-Star Classic at Hoosier Gym Saturday afternoon.

---

Graduating non-traditional Ball State University students have accomplished more than a degree

By Ella Howell / 14 hours ago

Before sunrise, while most of Ball State University’s campus remains still and quiet, a few early risers start their day to fulfill other commitments: a full-time job, missing a class to care for a sick kid or simply being in a completely new environment. There are many paths students take, and varying experiences bring diverse challenges. 

---

Capturing The County - Episode 19

By Zach Carter and Adam Altobella / Yesterday

In this episode, Zach and Adam discuss the future of the Ball State Daily News and recap the Delaware County sports action from the school year.