In light of the fact that funding for many UF departments is being cut to the bone, UF professors are underpaid and overworked, state funding for higher education is being cut every year and our economy is, by many estimates, on the verge of entering a recession, isn't it good to know that we here at UF have one of the highest-paid university presidents in the country?
Since the University Athletic Association and the UF Foundation contribute such a large amount to UF President Bernie Machen's salary, maybe it would be fair for both to contribute to needy academic departments and faculty salaries - especially those in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - as well as to keep the cost of tuition down for students.
It should come as no surprise that when the UF Board of Trustees decides to give Pres. Machen a raise - which happens with methodical and unerring frequency - that their natural alliances and the basis for the trustees' decision reside not on the side of students, their families or Florida residents, but for the certain moneyed interests who fund the most exorbitant salaries.
