Despite many trials and tribulations during his three-year tenure, University President Mark Yudof has emphatically stated he isn’t going anywhere.
Yudof turned down a lucrative position as a chancellor in the University of Texas system Thursday. Before coming to Minnesota, Yudof worked for the University of Texas in Austin for 26 years, but he said he was happy to stay put.
“I didn’t really want to be head of a large system,” Yudof said Thursday. “There are so many interesting things to do here. I feel the board is very strong and I have a good relationship with the faculty and the Legislature. I enjoy living here. It feels like home.”
The chancellor job in Texas was worth a reported $450,000 annually, and offered a house, two housekeepers, a car allowance and membership to various social clubs.
Yudof makes $325,000 as president of the University. His original salary of $225,000 has been bolstered by two $50,000 raises during his short tenure.
Patricia Spence, chairwoman of the Board of Regents, was happy Yudof decided to stay in Minnesota.
“I’m so thrilled with the president’s commitment to the University, that he has decided not to consider another position,” Spence said.
Although most among the regents, administrators and faculty were happy to hear Yudof’s decision, the future does hold more challenges for the president.
The U.S. Justice Department has issued subpoenas for records regarding the men’s basketball athletics scandal, which could lead to federal indictments in the case. In addition, the University faces a $23 million budget gap after receiving about one-third of requested funds from the Legislature.

— Compiled from staff and wire reports

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