MSU’s Smart donating $25K raise to scholarship fund

Last edited 1:11 p.m., Aug. 1, 2016

Missouri State University President Clif Smart is getting a raise, and he’s donating it to a scholarship fund.

The school’s board of governors made the pay increase decision following an evaluation of nine key metrics, comprising strategic leadership; educational leadership; organizational management; financial management; fundraising; external relations; internal relations; board and governance relations; and personal characteristics and values. The evaluation came after Smart presented his own self-assessment to the board at its June meeting,  according to a news release.

“The board continues to be pleased with the leadership President Smart has provided to Missouri State University,” board Chairman Peter Hofherr said in the release. “He faced many challenges on campus this year; however, his dedication and commitment prevailed, resulting in the continued upward trajectory of the university.”

For his high marks, the board issued Smart a $25,000 pay increase, bringing his salary to $334,981.

He will donate the raise to the Clif and Gail Smart Scholarship fund aiding first-generation college students. A year ago, he did the same with a $50,000 bonus. 

MSU’s 11th president, Smart served in the interim for over a year before being named permanently to the job in October 2012. He had served as MSU general counsel since December 2007, following his 20-year legal career, according to the release.

Smart’s current contract lasts through June 30, 2022.