Six-figure salaries are not uncommon at West Virginia University. Both men and women – minorities included – make in excess of $100,000.
But a recent survey from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources suggests pay levels for female and minority administrators are still less than their white, male counterparts.
CUP-HR surveyed 1,160 institutions and found women’s representation in college and university administrations is growing, and more than half are female. The story is much different for minorities, who make up 13% of top executive officers.
“Women will not be hired in top administrative positions unless they’re valued for their leadership, and being paid 83 cents to 89 cents on the dollar that white men are paid, that’s not being valued for your leadership,” Jackie Bichsel, director of research at CUPA-HR, told Insidehighered.com.
WVU, however, appears to be going counter to the trend, if recent hires and promotions during the last three years are any indication. Here are three examples:
Attorney and former state delegate Meshea Poore was named vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at West Virginia University in February 2018. Poore’s department ensures there is a safe and inclusive environment on campus and that all employees and students, regardless of race or sexual orientation, feel safe. Poore’s annual salary in 2019 was $235,424 according to Govsalaries.com.
When WVU named Maryanne Reed provost and vice president for academic affairs in April 2019, her salary nearly doubled. Prior to her promotion, Reed, who was the longtime dean of the Reed College of Media, made $254,000, according to reports. When tapped for her current position, Reed’s salary jumped to $410,000. By comparison, Marshall University Provost Jaime Taylor makes $262,444.
In January, Amelia Smith Rinehart was named dean of the West Virginia University College of Law, replacing interim dean John Taylor. Rinehart’s appointment is effective June 30. Rinehart, who comes to WVU from the University of Utah, will be paid $320,000, the university said.
“At West Virginia University, we are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects the various populations we serve,” said Paula Congelio, WVU’s vice president and chief financial officer. The university annually updates an Affirmative Action Plan so it can proactively employ and advance qualified candidates, she said.
“If any discrepancies in our pay practices are brought to our attention, WVU takes these matters seriously and actively works to address them,” Congelio said in a statement in response to questions from The Dominion Post. “Additionally as a federal contractor, WVU is subject to the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision, which protects employees and applicants from being discharged or otherwise discriminated against for discussing, disclosing, or inquiring about compensation.”
Because of budget limitations, Congelio said the university has not been able to provide a consistent merit pay increase.
“Whenever feasible, we have deployed compensation programs to ensure we are recognizing and rewarding high-performing faculty and staff and paying them at market-competitive levels,” she said.
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