Boulder – The University of Colorado Board of Regents named interim president Hank Brown the school’s permanent leader Thursday, a predictable conclusion to a national search that began last fall.
Brown beamed as the nine regents emerged from a closed-door session and voted unanimously for his confirmation. The popular president, whom regents have credited with restoring integrity to the troubled university, received a standing ovation and handshakes.
“I am very honored to have this opportunity and deeply grateful,” said Brown, who was named the sole finalist for the job last month.
Regent Paul Schauer called Brown a “true statesman” whose work ethic “always has the best interest of the university at heart.”
Regent Gail Schwartz said Brown revived the university’s relationship with lawmakers by bringing “a sense of accountability and transparency” to CU.
Brown’s salary increases from $350,000 to $360,000 with the permanent job, plus a $47,000 housing allowance. At his request, he will not receive a car allowance.
Former CU president Elizabeth Hoffman, who resigned in March 2005, was paid $400,000 a year and was provided a house and a car.
Brown will earn less than presidents at several other large public research universities, according to a CU study. The president of the University of Texas, for example, makes $520,500 a year.
Colorado State University president Larry Penley earns $391,000, including his house and car allowances.
Brown, who took the interim post in August, immediately slashed $1 million from the CU system office, in part by eliminating 11 administrative positions.
He also has prohibited the use of state funds for alcohol purchases, revamped the university’s accounting practices in the face of two state audits and created a panel to improve diversity on CU’s four campuses.
Regents also studied proposed tuition increases for next fall.
The legislature and governor limited tuition increases for in-state undergraduate students to 2.5 percent, but colleges have flexibility on tuition for graduate and out-of-state students.
Options under consideration by CU regents include raising tuition by 9 percent for graduate students and 20 percent for students at the school of dentistry.
Staff writer Jennifer Brown can be reached at 303-820-1593 or jenbrown@denverpost.com.
