University president's contract renewed

Although Dr. John Lilley's recent pay raise for being the University of Nevada, Reno, president looks like a $14,290 annual increase over his old salary, it also includes additional annual compensation up to $90,000 annually.

The Board of Regents renewed his contract in mid-April, making Lilley, who was lauded for his fund-raising efforts, president through June 30, 2009. Beginning April 15, 2005, Lilley's contract began paying him $227,500 annually compared with his previous salary of $213,210.

That's a $14,290 difference. The board also approved an additional salary benefit of $50,000 annually and another additional $40,000, which will be deferred through the end of each fiscal year.

"A portion of the $50,000 per year in compensation and benefits goes to benefits associated with that money, like 401K, dental and health," said Jenna Fahrner, external relations specialist for the university system.

The $40,000 deferred annual compensation is entirely for Lilley's retirement, she said.

"The $40,000 in deferred compensation will start July 1, 2006," she said. "It goes directly into a retirement fund."

The $50,000 and $40,000 supplemental compensations are new this year to his contract.

"Those amounts go toward his benefits," she said. "He will not receive cash in hand for them."

Under the direction of Lilley, who was the head of Penn State Erie from 1980-2001, enrollment at UNR has grown from 12,000 to 16,000.

Also, Lilley will continue receiving $8,000 for a car allowance, $18,000 for a housing allowance and a $5,000 host account.

Dr. Carol Harter, president of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, makes an annual salary of $263,038. She also receives supplemental income.

Dr. Carol Lucey, who has been president of Western Nevada Community College since 1999 and will have her annual evaluation next month before the board, receives an annual salary of $151,529 with additional allowances for a vehicle and housing.

n Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.