BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Chronicle of Higher Education has released its annual ranking of what public college presidents make.
Survey results released Sunday show four chief executives earned more than $1 million last year.
Topping the list was ex-Penn State President Graham Spanier. He shot to the No. 1 spot when he was forced out in November 2011 over his handling of the sex abuse scandal involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. Spanier received $2.9 million in 2011-12, including $1.2 million in severance pay and $1.2 million in deferred compensation.
The number two name on the list? Auburn's Jay Gogue, who brought home more than $2 million in compensation. Alabama President Judy Bonner made a total of $294,000.
There was no listing for the University of Alabama at Huntsville.
The median compensation for public college presidents including pay, benefits and bonuses was $441,000.
Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee (gee) had the highest base salary: $830,000. That's more than double the median base salary of $374,000.
Copyright 2013, WAFF. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this article.