UMass Medical School Head Gets Pay Hike

The chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Medical School has received a $60,000-per-year pay raise at a time the five-campus system is facing a $54 million budget shortfall.

Chancellor Michael Collins' three-year contract signed by President Jack Wilson on Feb. 14 raises his base salary and deferred compensation from $524,300 to $585,290. With incentives, he could earn as much as $862,000.

The Telegram & Gazette reports that under the deal, Collins will no longer get a $32,000-a-year housing allowance and instead is required to live rent free in a furnished home owned by the University of Massachusetts Foundation.

A spokesman for Wilson says the pay package is based on compensation at similar medical schools and on performance.

Many medical school workers have had their salaries frozen, or received small raises.