The Board of Trustees at the University of North Florida approved a presidential compensation range of $1 million to $1.4 million.

The range, recommended by consulting firm Segal, reflects UNF’s growth and a rapidly shifting national market for university presidents, where competition and turnover have driven compensation higher.

Jason Adwin, senior vice president at Segal, told the BOT the proposed range aligns with peer institutions in the State University System of Florida and nationally, where demand for experienced leadership has intensified in recent years.

“Successful sitting presidents are in high demand,” Adwin said during the BOT meeting. “That is increasing compensation levels across the marketplace.”

Data presented to trustees by Adwin showed presidential pay at comparable institutions—including Florida Gulf Coast University, University of West Florida, Florida A&M University and Florida Atlantic University—generally falls between about $700,000 and $1.2 million, though many contracts are being renegotiated upward.

The recommended range centers around an estimated $1.2 million compensation level for UNF based on institutional size and spending.

Trustees unanimously approved the range.

Search committee outlines timeline

The vote comes as UNF accelerates its presidential search.

Trustee Jack Boyle, who chairs UNF’s presidential search committee, said the university is “aiming really high” and expects to attract a stronger pool of candidates than in previous searches.

“This is not the same search we did four years ago,” Boyle said. “We have hit an inflection point.”

The committee plans to recommend finalists to the board by late July 2026.

The search is being conducted with assistance from Funk Associates, which is leading candidate recruitment and outreach.

Desired qualities emphasize growth, stability

Boyle and Willie Funk, president of Funk Associates, outlined four baseline qualifications for candidates: senior leadership experience, a strong understanding of higher education, high ethical standards and a demonstrated commitment to UNF’s institutional mission.

Beyond those requirements, Boyle said there are several leadership priorities, including continuing UNF’s current strategic direction, strengthening community ties in Jacksonville and expanding relationships with state leaders. Candidates are also expected to support research growth, improve student outcomes and help guide long-term campus expansion.

“There was tremendous uniformity that the university is headed in the right direction,” Funk said.

Market pressures shape compensation strategy

Adwin said the recommended salary range reflects broader instability in higher education leadership, where retirements, political pressures and post-pandemic challenges have increased turnover.

Within comparable institutions nationwide, roughly one-third of presidents have turned over in recent months, while nearly two-thirds of presidents in Florida’s system have changed within the past two years, according to data presented at the meeting by Adwin.

Adwin said most modern presidential contracts now include a mix of salary, incentives and additional benefits such as housing or transportation allowances.

___

For more information or news tips, or if you see an error in this story or have any compliments or concerns, contact [email protected].