The Talent, Compensation and Governance Committee recommended to the full Board of Trustees that University President Michael V. Drake receive a raise in its meeting Wednesday.

Following full Board of Trustees approval, Drake would receive a 2.5 percent raise based on his base salary, in amount of $21,750 based on his “ongoing commitment” to the university, Dr. Hiroyuki Fujita, chair of the Committee, said. Drake’s current salary is $870,191.40, according to the university salary database.

Drake received the raise in light of the Board’s performance review of his accomplishments as president. The Board’s complimentary review included Drake’s dedication to affordable education.

“Overall, President Drake continues to demonstrate ongoing commitment to institutional excellence and a passion for promoting a high quality affordable education,” Fujita said.

Drake last received a raise and bonus in November 2018, when his base salary, after a 2.5 percent raise, became more than $870,000. The president took home a $212,000 bonus in 2018, which is the maximum the Board could award him for meeting goals, according to previous Lantern reporting.

The Committee also voted on Anne Garcia’s appointment as the university’s interim vice president and general counsel in light of Christopher Culley’s departure and Melissa Shivers as vice president for student life to replace Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston. Both were approved and will be voted on by the full Board Thursday afternoon.

The Committee heard a presentation on the Wellness Strategic Plan from Chief Wellness Officer Dr. Bernadette Melnyk that included the current state of health in the United States, the prevalence of stress and depression, the self-reported state of mental health among faculty and staff and the financial benefit of investing in wellness. According to the presentation, for every dollar invested in workplace wellness there is a return of more than $4 in reduced healthcare costs, higher engagement, improved productivity and lower absenteeism.

The plan includes four goals: improve participation in programming and interventions for faculty, staff and students; implement evidence-based practices to “decrease prevalence of chronic illnesses and reduce health risks;” strengthen the wellness culture and environment at Ohio State; and position the university as a national and international leader in wellness, according to the meeting materials.

The Committee voted to amend the Board of Trustees’ bylaws, in which the Audit and Compliance Committee would become the Audit, Compliance and Finance Committee.

The Committee also approved an amendment to the Wexner Medical Center Board’s bylaws to remove the positions of ex officio nonvoting members. Under previously approved bylaws, the Board included nonvoting members put in place by their job titles, such as College of Medicine dean. The full Board will vote on this measure Thursday.