News Summary
The University of Kentucky has unveiled its 2024-25 salary database, showcasing the earnings of all university employees. With a significant number of high-earning individuals, particularly in UK Athletics, the data highlights transparency in public spending. The average salary stands at $77,981, while the university’s budget has reached an impressive $8.4 billion. The emphasis on retaining talent and investments in infrastructure projects indicates a promising future for the institution.
Salary Secrets Unveiled: University of Kentucky’s Top Earners
Located in the vibrant city of Lexington, the University of Kentucky has once again put a spotlight on its financial landscape with the unveiling of its 2024-25 salary database. This comprehensive data set, gathered through a Kentucky Open Records request, showcases the base salaries of all university employees, revealing some eye-popping numbers that have everyone talking.
High Rollers in UK Athletics
It comes as no surprise that the highest-paid employees at the university largely hail from UK Athletics, along with a sprinkle of top administrative figures. In fact, the database shows that nearly 130 employees are pocketing a base salary of $500,000 or more each year. With a total of 26,431 employees listed, that is quite a significant increase of approximately 1,550 more employees compared to last year.
Big Bucks in Coaching
Leading the pack is none other than the football defensive coordinator, Brad White, who brings in a staggering $1.6 million annually. Following closely is the head basketball coach, Mark Pope, with a hefty five-year contract that’s worth a whopping $27.5 million in total, and the head football coach, Mark Stoops, raking in an impressive annual salary of $9 million.
Top Administrators Cashing In
On the administrative side, Provost Robert DiPaola and Eric Monday, co-executive vice president for health affairs, have also found themselves in the upper echelons of the pay scale, with salaries of $1.37 million and $1.26 million, respectively. Meanwhile, UK President Eli Capilouto earns a respectable $1.1 million each year. It’s evident that there’s no shortage of financial backing for those leading the charge at UK.
Understanding the Numbers
The average salary across the university stands at $77,981, with a median salary of $60,779. Interestingly, most of these salaries are funded by taxpayer dollars from the great state of Kentucky, underlining the importance of transparency in public spending. This is where the database really shines, as it provides the public with easy access to salary figures through a searchable format, allowing citizens to look up employees by name, department, or title.
A Glance at the Budget
The university is not only thriving in terms of salaries but also boasting a decidedly impressive budget. Recently approved by the board of trustees, UK’s budget has reached an all-time high of nearly $8.4 billion. A significant portion of this budget, around $18 million, is earmarked for salary increases. However, students will see a 2.2% tuition hike, bringing the tuition for in-state undergraduates to $6,751 and out-of-state students to $17,070.
A Bright Future and Community Impact
This budget signifies a robust investment in areas crucial to the university including UK HealthCare, academics, and athletics. With a capital budget dedicated to significant infrastructure projects, such as a new bed tower at UK HealthCare, it’s clear that the university is planning for the long haul.
Commitment to Excellence
Amid all these numbers and figures, it’s essential to note that UK remains steadfast in its commitment to retaining talent. Many head coaches have recently secured contract extensions, representing a commitment to excellence in coaching. As the largest employer in the commonwealth alongside state government and UPS, the University of Kentucky is not just an educational institution but a significant contributor to the state’s economy.
Conclusion
There you have it—a closer look at the salary dynamics at the University of Kentucky. As taxpayers and residents observe the financial intricacies of the institution, the emphasis on transparency and accountability is crucial in fostering trust and understanding in how public funds are utilized. With excellent leadership and committed staff, the future seems bright for UK.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Salary Secrets Unveiled
- Wikipedia: University of Kentucky
- Kentucky.com: UK Football Assistant Coaches Salary
- Google Search: UK Athletics Salary Database
- WKYT: UK Men’s Basketball Coach Salary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Sport
- NKyTribune: Rankings of State Institutions
- Google News: University of Kentucky Salary 2024
