The University of Minnesota board of regents on Friday gave University president Joan Gabel a raise that'll push her annual salary past $700,000 by the middle of 2022.
Regents agree Gabel's performance warrants the increase, and puts her in line with other school presidents in the Big Ten.
"She is a commodity that is wanted around this country," said board vice-chair Steve Sviggum, noting that several other schools have offered her more money to leave Minnesota.
Some objected to the raise, including two board members who cast no votes.
"When people question why a public higher education system, that was once accessible and affordable, is now characterized by high administrative salaries and insurmountable tuition, please step forward and explain when you had an opportunity to make a difference, you declined to do so," asked Regent Darrin Rosha.
He was one of the two "no" votes against Gabel's raise.
"We, as student leaders, are not here to speak as opposition to the proper compensation of our institution's leader," said student representative Gertaran Johill. "Instead, we ask this board, what about our students? What about your most important and key stakeholder?"
Johill said students are hurting financially because of higher tuition and low on-campus pay rates.