WMU President John Dunn to donate final raise and more back to university

By Madison Bennett | MLive

KALAMAZOO, MI - Western Michigan University President John Dunn will once again donate his salary increase and more to WMU.

The WMU Board of Trustees approved a 3 percent raise for Dunn during its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 13, increasing his salary for his final year as president.

The 3 percent increase is the same rate as the pay increase for WMU non-bargaining employee groups last July 1. The raise, originally approved in Dec. 2015, was effective as of July 1, 2016 and takes Dunn's salary from $398,241 to $410,189.

Dunn's employment contract has a provision that his salary be reviewed at least annually and adjusted as determined by the board. 

Since the start of his presidency, with each salary increase Dunn has received, he's donated back to the university the cumulative amount of his pay increases since his starting salary of $345,000 in 2007.

That means, this year's pledge from himself and his wife Linda, totals more than $65,000.

The university's first couple have designated the funds be used for scholarships and four funds they've selected for fundraising efforts during the spring, including the Student Emergency Fund, Seita Scholars program, WMU Marching Band and the University Art Collection.

"Linda and I are very appreciative of the support that we have received throughout life, particularly when we were young and resources were limited," Dunn said in a news release. "Helping students achieve their dreams is very rewarding and we are pleased to be in a position to do so."

Dunn, who has served as the university's eighth president since 2007, announced his retirement in August. His tenure will end on June 30, 2017.

"The WMU Board of Trustees greatly appreciates the accomplishments and satisfactory performance of President John Dunn," Board of Trustees Chair Kenneth Miller said.

In other action at its meeting, the board approved rate increases for on-campus apartments of $7 and $19 per month effective in fall 2017.

Goldsworth Valley, Elmwood and Stadium Drive apartment rates will increase 1 percent for a one- or two-bedroom, depending on the complex, room style and unit chosen.

As for Western View, monthly rates for a two-bedroom apartment will increase by $19 per person and a four-bedroom unit will increase by $16 per person. One- and three-bedroom rates will remain the same as last year.

This post originally appeared Dec. 13, 2016 on MLive.com.