CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP, MI -- Davenport University President Richard Pappas is the highest compensated leader of a private, nonprofit college in Michigan, bringing in $581,564 in 2010, according to a presidential pay survey.

The survey, by the Chronicle of Higher Education, examined the compensation of 493 presidents at private, nonprofit colleges for the 2010 fiscal year, the latest data available.

Pappas, who came to Davenport in 2009 after serving as president of National Louis University in Chicago, was ranked no. 113 on the list. Adrian College President Jeffrey Docking made the second most in Michigan, with $525,463.

Pappas' base compensation is listed at $319,997. The IRS lists his remaining compensation as: bonus and incentive compensation ($155,000); other reportable compensation ($18,319); retirement and other deferred compensation ($74,635); and nontaxable benefits ($13,633).

In a statement, a Davenport University spokesman said a review by an independent consulting firm shows that Pappas' compensation is appropriate considering the size of the university he leads.

“Davenport University’s presidential compensation is appropriate based on annual surveys conducted by an independent consulting firm and reviewed by a subcommittee of our independent Board of Trustees," the university said, adding that Pappas' pay has not influenced "fees or tuition costs."

"The survey compares Davenport with institutions across the U.S. with similar budgets, enrollment and complexity of operations. Davenport provides a presidential salary commensurate with the leadership required for a university with nearly 700 full- and part-time employees and 11 campuses across Michigan serving more than 11,000 students.”

In West Michigan, Hope College President James Bultman received compensation totaling $348,351. Former Calvin College President Gaylen Byker earned $244,319, placing him at no. 412.

Cornerstone University President Joseph Stowell received a total of $195,627, and former Aquinas College President C. Edward Balog earned $181,091.

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Nationwide, the president with the highest compensation in 2010 was J. Robert Kerrey, who led New School in New York City. Kerrey, a former U.S. senator from Nebraska, resigned as the college's president in December 2010, according to the Chronicle.

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