Administration Coronavirus News Sports

Renu Khator, top-paid UH athletics figures opt for temporary pay cut

"We're happy to do it," President Renu Khator told Fox 26 of the paycuts. "No one was pressured to do (it), it was totally voluntary.” | File photo

“We’re happy to do it,” President Renu Khator told Fox 26 of the paycuts. “No one was pressured to do (it), it was totally voluntary.” | File photo

President Renu Khator is taking a 10 percent pay cut for the next six months as the University continues to adjust during the coronavirus outbreak.

Along with Khator, athletic director Chris Pezman, head men’s basketball coach Kelvin Sampson and head football coach Dana Holgorsen are also taking a non-mandatory pay decrease.

While Khator suggested the pay cut, she told Fox 26, the decrease was voluntarily accepted by Pezman, Sampson and Holgorsen. There was no pressure to make the decision, Khator added, but she was pleased the others made the same choice as her.

“I’m just glad that we are able to do this during difficult times,” Khator said.

Making the decision to take the pay cut was not difficult for the coaches, with both Sampson and Holgorsen willing to do what they could to help the University, according to Pezman.

“I want to thank coach Holgorsen and coach Sampson for their willingness to take a voluntary reduction in pay for the next six months,” Pezman said in a statement. “I appreciate their dedication to our university’s mission and their willingness to adapt during these unprecedented times.”

Khator is among the highest paid public university leaders in Texas, earning over $1.3 million in 2018.

Pezman earns a $375,000 base salary as athletic director, while Sampson and Holgorsen make $3 million and $3.8 million, respectively.

For more of The Cougar’s coronavirus coverage, click here.

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[alert type=”yellow”]Update: This story has revised to include a statement from athletic director Chris Pezman. [/alert]

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