WATERLOO -- Hawkeye Community College President Greg Schmitz received a 4.25 percent raise Tuesday plus an incentive to remain in his job another seven years.

The college's board of trustees unanimously boosted his salary about $9,560 to $194,560 retroactive to July 1 following a 35-minute closed session. That raises his total compensation package to $234,560.

"Dr. Schmitz requested that we cap any increase … at 4.25 percent. He just felt that appropriate given the disasters going on," said board Chairman Mark Birdnow, in reference to the tornados and flooding that hit the region this spring. "I thought that was a noble thing."

Schmitz is on vacation and didn't attend the meeting.

The same percentage increase in salary and benefits was given in May to the college's 156 full- and part-time non-bargaining employees. They include members of the college president's cabinet, professional and technical staff and hourly support staff that is excluded from bargaining.

Schmitz received raises of 8.57 percent in 2006 and 13.16 percent in 2007. Last year's increase boosted his total compensation $25,000 to $215,000. Schmitz's annual salary grew by another $10,000 in May after he earned a doctorate from Iowa State University.

Birdnow said a seven-year retention plan approved by the board was designed to encourage Schmitz to continue working for Hawkeye over the long term.

The board named Schmitz president three years ago after 3 1/2 years as the college's vice president of administration and finance. The school went through five presidents in 12 years from 1992-2004, after having just two presidents in its first 25 years of existence.

"We're very, very pleased with the direction he's taken the college and his leadership," said Birdnow. "Last month, we had an impeccable review of him. He's done everything we've required and quicker than we thought."

Galen Howsare, the college's vice president of administration and finance, said the retention plan includes additional deferred compensation equaling 11 percent of Schmitz's monthly salary. If the president is still with the college after five years, he would receive 75 percent of the money set aside.

"And at the end of seven years, he would own 100 percent of whatever's there," said Howsare.

At the end of this first year, the 11 percent set aside will equal $21,400.

Beyond the salary, Schmitz's total compensation package includes a $25,000 annuity, an $8,400 vehicle allowance and a $6,400 expense allowance.

Contact Andrew Wind

at (319) 291-1507 or

andrew.wind@wcfcourier.com.