Though the $75,000 salary of state Sen. Mike Haridopolos, hired last spring as a lecturer at UF, drew criticism because it eclipsed most others in the political science department, it turns out UF approached him in the fall about teaching a seminar, which would have bumped his salary even higher.
Haridopolos, R-Indiatlantic, said he turned the offer down, but not because of the controversy.
"The idea was brought up, and I quickly came to the conclusion that my plate was full and we moved on," he said. It is unclear how much more he would have been paid.
While Haridopolos does not have a Ph.D., he makes more than 28 of the 37 professors and lecturers on the political science department payroll. All but one of those faculty members have earned Ph.D.s, according to UF's Web site.
The only other faculty member who has not is paid about $27,000.
Haridopolos said he is working on his doctorate at Florida State University and hopes to submit his dissertation in May.
Haridopolos, who taught three classes last semester and is paid through the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, said former Sen. Graham was looking to hire someone with experience both as a lawmaker and a teacher.
He said his legislative experience gives him a unique perspective and added that his classes have received positive feedback from students.
Students gave him an average overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 for two of his classes last semester.
He is currently teaching a seminar in Tallahassee for 10 students who he helped secure internships for as well.
The controversy over his hiring came before controversies involving two other Florida lawmakers, Sen. Evelyn Lynn and Rep. Ray Sansom, who were questioned for taking high-paying jobs at universities they helped secure funds for. Lynn refused her pay last March and Sansom resigned his position in January.
Haridopolos noted, though, that teaching is nothing new for him. He's been teaching for 15 years, mostly at Brevard Community College, and said he looked forward to teaching at UF again next year.
"This is something I truly enjoy doing," he said.
