Alabama University Presidents' Salaries Revealed: Who Earns the Most?

Significant variation in compensation packages for university leaders across the state.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:11pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a mortar board graduation cap repeated in a tight grid pattern, in the style of Andy Warhol. The image utilizes flat, vibrant, and unnatural neon color palettes overlapping with heavy black photographic outlines to turn an iconic symbol of higher education into modern pop art.The varied compensation packages for university presidents in Alabama reflect the complex dynamics of academic leadership and the need for greater transparency in higher education.Today in Birmingham

A deep dive into the salaries of university presidents in Alabama reveals a wide range, from nearly $1.1 million for the highest-paid president to under $200,000 for some others. The compensation packages also include various perks such as performance incentives, vehicle allowances, and country club memberships, raising questions about transparency and whether these benefits are necessary.

Why it matters

The salaries and compensation of university presidents in Alabama provide insight into the complex dynamics of academic administration and leadership, as well as the importance of transparency in higher education. The significant variation in pay and benefits raises questions about the factors influencing these decisions and whether they are justified.

The details

The highest-paid university president in Alabama is Ray Watts from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with a total compensation of over $1.1 million, which includes a base salary and an annual performance incentive. Watts also holds the role of president of the UAB Health System Authority. The second-highest paid is Peter Mohler, the new president of the University of Alabama, earning $950,000. Other presidents, such as Josiah "Jo" Bonner at the University of South Alabama, receive additional benefits like car allowances and country club memberships. However, the compensation information for some presidents, like Tuskegee University's Mark Brown and Talladega College's Willie L. Todd, Jr., is not as transparent.

  • The salary information is from 2026.

The players

Ray Watts

The president of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, earning over $1.1 million in total compensation, which includes his role as the president of the UAB Health System Authority.

Peter Mohler

The new president of the University of Alabama, earning $950,000.

Josiah "Jo" Bonner

The president of the University of South Alabama, who receives additional benefits like a car allowance and country club membership.

Mark Brown

The president of Tuskegee University, whose compensation information is not as transparent.

Willie L. Todd, Jr.

The president of Talladega College, whose compensation information is also not as transparent.

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What they’re saying

“These salaries and compensation packages raise important questions about transparency and whether these benefits are truly necessary for university leadership.”

— Josiah "Jo" Bonner, University of South Alabama President

The takeaway

The wide range of salaries and compensation packages for university presidents in Alabama highlights the complex dynamics of academic administration and the need for greater transparency in higher education. As these figures come under increased scrutiny, it will be important to examine the factors influencing these decisions and whether they are justified in serving the best interests of students, faculty, and the broader community.