President Mark Emmert received a raise of more than $150,000 last week — his new compensation totals more than $900,000.

Before this raise, it was reported by the Chronicle of Higher Education that Emmert was the third-highest paid president of a public university in the country. After the raise, he may well have the best salary of any public university president. His new salary makes him earn more than $700,000 more than Gov. Chris Gregoire.

His performance, along with an attempt to make sure he stays at the UW, is why the Board of Regents unanimously voted to give Emmert the raise.

“We think this sends a pretty strong message that, ‘we like what you are doing here’,” said Regent Fred Kiga.

The president came to the UW in 2004, in a time when controversy was surrounding the University from the athletic department to the medical center.

Emmert has successfully pulled the UW away from controversy and, since his arrival, the UW has accomplished many great things.

At his annual address last month, Emmert said the University has surpassed any expectations he could have had.

Many feel that he is a big part in why the UW has done so well.

Under the direction of Emmert, the UW is going places. An office is scheduled to open in Beijing, as well as an additional campus in North Seattle.

Emmert has an incredible ability to bring noteworthy individuals to the UW, including Christopher Murray from Harvard University, Kiga said.

His compensation is a combination of two things: a base salary and deferred compensations. His new salary, retroactively effective last September, is $620,000. The remaining $250,000 comes from deferred compensation.

The deferred compensation includes a vehicle allowance, club fees and retirement pay. In addition to this, he and his family get to live in the President’s Mansion, a 1.5-acre estate with a view of Lake Washington.

The Board of Regents wants Emmert to be satisfied with what he receives in return for his work at the University.

“Three years ago, Mark developed a strategic plan for the University, and at this point, we just want him to keep the course,” Kiga said.

[Reach reporter Celia Hunko at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]