UF Whines, FSU Acts

From TCPalm.com:

Ho-hum. University of Florida President Bernie Machen continued his kvetching about "devastating" budget cuts last week. But as he slashes positions, freezes salaries and begs the state to tap emergency reserves for higher education, what sacrifice is Machen willing to make?

The nation's fourth highest-paid college chief — earning $750,000 plus perks — has yet to turn down a raise, let alone give back.

Contrast the top Gator's towering sense of entitlement to what's happening at Florida State University, which, under the same state funding formula, recently issued 3 percent pay raises to faculty and staff, while approving one-time food and fuel supplements to employees making less than $50,000 a year.

When Gainesville spent, the Tallahassee campus wisely scrimped and saved. FSU officials said the money for raises came from reducing all campus budgets more than the state required, and streamlining administrative structures.

Bernie's school may have the better football team this year, but the UF president could learn something here, and start putting his money where his mouth is.