President Dunn gets raise for final year, gives it and more back to WMU

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a 3 percent raise for President John M. Dunn, increasing his salary for his final year and triggering a $65,000 gift from the University's first couple to boost funds for scholarships and other student needs.

Acting at their Dec. 13 meeting, University trustees unanimously approved the move. The 3 percent salary increase is the same rate used to increase pay for WMU non-bargaining employee groups last July 1. The Dunn raise for 2016-17 will be retroactive to that date and takes his annual salary from $398,241 to $410,189.

Dunn has served as the University's eighth president since July 2007, and will retire June 30, 2017. His practice since the start of his presidency has been with each salary increase to donate back to WMU the cumulative amount of his pay increases since his 2007 starting salary of $345,000. That pledge means this year's gift from Dunn and his wife, Linda, totals more than $65,000. They have designated the funds to be used for scholarships and four funds they've selected for fundraising efforts during the spring—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," says Dunn. "Helping students achieve their dreams is very rewarding and we are pleased to be in a position to do so."

Prior to the Dec. 13 action, the most recent adjustment to Dunn' s compensation was approved last December and effective on July 1, 2015. The president's employment contract includes a provision that his salary will be reviewed at least annually and adjusted as determined by the board.