“T.Haas” is a name known all across the campuses of Grand Valley State University. Referring to the president of GVSU, Thomas Haas, a majority of students are familiar with his family, his hobbies and most importantly, his Laker pride. But one aspect not as familiar is the area of compensation.

Haas has been president of the university since 2006 when he took over the position from President Mark Murray. In his time at GVSU, Haas has played a key role in the university’s rapid expansion in both enrollment and overall quality of education.

Haas’ salary is currently listed at $371,623 as a base salary with his annual payment of deferred compensation totaling $46,300. With this salary, Haas is placed at the fifth highest salary of public university presidents in Michigan, behind presidents of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University and Western Michigan University.

This past July, Haas received a positive evaluation due to his work on opening new academic buildings and an increase in GVSU’s graduation rates. According to this review, the university’s graduation rate is the third highest of Michigan public universities with a 70 percent graduation rate. The board approved a year extension of Haas’ residential contract, including a 3.3 percent pay raise.

“The Board of Trustees reviews the president’s performance and sets his pay at the July board meeting,” Mary Eilleen Lyon said. “The trustees consider his performance, longevity and how his compensation fits in with the other presidents of the public universities in the state.”

When evaluating Haas, the board discusses leadership qualities, improvement needed and goals reached, which are then revealed at the yearly July board meeting. Following the release of this statement, the board said they wanted a greater focus put on planning for future members of his leadership team as many of them are nearing retirement. Looking toward the future seemed to be a main goal that they wanted emphasized through this evaluation.

Currently, Haas serves on the board for the Grand Rapids Medical Education and Research Center, Grand Rapids Economic Club, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Rapids Opera, with additional work with the Grand Rapids Rotary Club and the North Central Association Higher Learning Commission. In addition, his unique presidential relationship with the students of the university he heads, as well as his actual actions for campus improvement, all play into his salary.