AUGUSTA (AP) — A $40,000 raise for a top University of Maine System administrator is being criticized by some for coming at a time when faculty and programs are being cut.
Rebecca Wyke, vice chancellor for finance and administration for the seven-campus system, had her pay bumped in January to $205,000, from $165,000.
The entire system is facing a $36 million budget gap.
Jerry LaSala, chairman of the Faculty Senate at the University of Southern Maine, which is dealing with the possible loss of 40 staff and faculty positions as well as three academic programs, tells the Portland Press Herald the raise is “shocking.”
Chancellor James Page, who approved the raise, defended it. He says Wyke is doing an excellent job during difficult times and she had been offered a job out of state.
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