https://www.athensnews.com/news/campus/trustees-grant-ou-...

And interestingly enough, they made that decision off-campus at the Eastern campus.

And, what did I just get in my mailbox - one of those "guilting" requests for money. "Get more for your gift SO SHE CAN MAKE MORE OF HER FUTURE

Great timing. You want to piss people off, pull off that stunt.

I can honestly say that I have never received a 20% bonus, though there are some industries and lines of work where that will happen.

Maybe Alan Swank can answer this question? Though Coach Boals makes more money than President Nellis, does Coach Boals receive a housing stipend (another word for house payment) of some $60,000 a year? I think that's what President Nellis gets? I believe his transportation is provided to various events free of charge, so his $489,000 salary is basically bankable cash. Considering the fact that there have been budget cuts at the university and there is a demographic winter staring Higher Ed in this face in this part of the country, this is pretty remarkable. Coupled with that, the standard of living is pretty low in Athens compared to many other locations, not bad work if you an get it.

Football and basketball coaches often have higher salaries than presidents. Not ground breaking news.

Here is the housing deal. Interestingly enough, as we checked out of our hotel in Columbus this morning after seeing the Willie Nelson Outlaw Country show last night (best concert I've been to in a few years), Michael Drake was on the elevator with my wife and me. I introduced myself, told him where I was from and had a very pleasant conversation. When we hit street level, his car was waiting - a late model minivan. Was glad to see that as opposed to a limo. Anyway, here is the article:

https://www.athensnews.com/news/campus/new-ou-president-b...

Yeah, that's basically a full-time job and goes hand in hand with the housing stipend. Part of the job is about entertaining and the President's house is one of the key places such parties take place. Donors, potential donors, distinguished visitors, etc all tend to have dinners and receptions at a University President's home, and the spouse tends to run that part of things, however outdated that may be. It's also not uncommon for the President of a University's home to have full time staff, as well. Though I don't know if that's the case at OU.

Lukas Nelson is for real. I hope he gains a following and can keep touring on his own. (And Micah Nelson seems to making a name for himself as The Particle Kid as well.)


Not that it matters much to high earners but I recall several news articles or studies or whatever about this not being true. That gas, groceries, health care, and etc. actually cost more in Athens than in bigger cities in the region.