MSU extends president’s contract, raises salary

MSU’s Board of Governors unanimously approved a contract extension and salary increase for Nietzel at a May 18 meeting.

Nietzel, who began July 1, had a four-year contract through 2009 that has been extended by one year.

Nietzel also will receive a 3 percent salary increase for 2006-2007, with 2.25 percent as part of an across-the-board raise and 0.75 percent based on merit. His salary increases from $240,000 to $247,200 beginning July 1.

“In his evaluation, Dr. Nietzel received high marks from the board in virtually all aspects of his performance, from building relationships on and off campus to fund-raising, to reorganizing for added emphasis to academics, to budgeting through reallocation, to increased communication with the board,” said Mike Franks, board president, in a news release.

Under Nietzel’s leadership, the university is reallocating about $3.5 million in its budget to better use the funds. That figure is more than double the increase of $1.6 million from the state, according to the release.

Other elements of the contract remain the same, including a housing allowance of $45,000 per year, use of an automobile and an unspecified amount of entertainment expenses, according to the contract. The contract also has a retention incentive that will pay Nietzel $100,000 if he remains as president for four years.

Nietzel is MSU’s ninth president.