TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - The next presumed president of the University of Arizona said he is expecting a significant pay cut when he is hired for the job.
Dr. Robert Robbins, the only finalist for the position, currently heads the world’s biggest medical center in Houston and makes more than $1.2 million. The UA president position currently pays about half that at $670,000.
“I would be shocked if I don’t take a major pay cut,” said Robbins during a public forum on campus Wednesday.
But he told the group of students and faculty that he is not motivated by money.
“I’m motivated by the vision and passion I have to return to academia,” Robbins said.
The Arizona Board of Regents selected the CEO of Texas Medical Center as its top pick for president on Tuesday. The board is expected to begin negotiations on Robbins’ contract Monday.
Robbins said he is looking to serve as UA president for 10 to 15 years and has plans to build partnerships with major corporations to bring in more research funding and help grow the region’s economy.
“This is a special place with special opportunities,” Robbins said. “We’re accessible to the West Coast, to venture capital money.”
Another one of Robbins’ goals is to have UA focus more on its students. He said he will work to ensure he is available for students and visible on campus.
“I will be involved, I will be accessible,” Robbins said. “Now can I get to know all 40,000 students personally? No. But I can be accessible and hope to learn their hopes and dreams.”
If his contract is finalized, Robbins will replace UA President Ann Weaver Hart, who is serving out the remainder of her contract that expires in June 2018. Last June, Hart announced that she would not seek a contract extension, but would remain at the helm until a replacement is named.
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