University president drastically cuts his own pay, gives a huge raise to lowest paid employees

Raymond Burse spent seven years as president of Kentucky State University before launching a 17-year career at General Electric Company in 1989. Two years after entering retirement, Burse rejoined KSU as their interim president, but had a unique salary demand.

He would come on board if the university raised the pay of every school employee to a livable wage.

But how would they pay for this? Burse had a plan…

He gave up $90,000 of his own salary, dropping from $349,869 to $259,745 a year. That money is now being split among the 24 lowest-paid employees at the school, increasing their wage by $3 an hour, or about 40%.

The sacrificial gesture came from Burse during salary negotiations with the university’s board after he discovered how many university employees made less than $10.25 an hour. While $10.25 an hour isn’t going to make anyone rich, it’s the amount that’s considered to be a livable wage in Frankfort, Kentucky, and Burse felt it was important that all university employees feel like their leadership is personally invested in them succeeding.

He also ensured that the employees’ pay increase will remain in place after a permanent president is selected in his place. Additionally, $10.25 will continue to be the minimum starting salary for all new employees going forward.

University president drastically cuts his own pay, gives a huge raise to lowest paid employees

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