Moez Limayem, the University of South Florida’s president-elect, will face his final hurdle Friday before potentially starting the job: a confirmation vote from the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state’s university system.
The board is also set to vote on a five-year contract for Limayem that would pay him a base salary of $1.25 million.
Per state law,all compensation for Limayem above $200,000 must come from private resources.
He could make an additional $625,000 in performance-based incentives his first year, depending on an evaluation from USF trustees.
He would also earn an additional $300,000 in deferred compensation his first year. Other benefits include thousands of dollars in automobile and housing stipends, as well as moving expenses.
Limayem’s proposed USF base salary is more thandouble his base salary in his final year as president at the University of NorthFlorida, which is $525,000.
The contract also reflects higher compensation than current USFPresident Rhea Law’s. Her base salary started at $655,000 three years ago and was bumped up to $825,000 last year. She announced her retirement in February.
University president salaries are rising across the state, particularly at the University of Florida. Donald Landry, UF’s interim president, is making an unprecedented $2 million base salary. UF’s presidential compensation has grown the fastest of the state’s five largest public universities. Experts have said that Florida’s tense political climate has contributed to the dramatic salary hike.
The board was initially expected to vote on Limayem’s confirmation at its November meeting, but the agenda was full, USF spokesperson Ryan Hughes said in an email.
Limayem was approved by the USF trustees in late October.