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July 28, 2012

NMC president gets good review

Nelson also receives extension, salary increase

By Bill O'Brien bobrien@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College's president received a positive job review, a contract extension and a salary increase.

NMC's Board of Trustees this week approved a 1.87 percent salary increase for President Tim Nelson and extended his rolling 3-year contract into 2014 after trustees rated his work "outstanding" in his annual performance evaluation.

Nelson's base pay rate will be $178,300 effective July 1, a $3,268 increase. He's been NMC's president since 2001.

"I think there's unanimity among all the board members that Tim is doing an outstanding job," Trustee Doug Bishop said.

The board rates Nelson on a 4-point scale in numerous categories that include communication, productivity, ethics, community relations, finance and strategic planning. He received an overall score of 3.7.

Bishop said Nelson received high marks from the board for keeping the college on solid financial ground, his work on higher education legislative issues in Lansing and his visibility in the Grand Traverse area.

"We're really pleased with the direction he's given to the college in terms of our interface with the community," Bishop said.

Nelson's contract raises his salary annually according to a cost of living index for Midwest cities under 50,000 people, representing the 1.87 percent increase. Nelson received a 4 percent raise last year and donated it to a scholarship program.

Other aspects of Nelson's contract did not change, NMC spokesman Andy Dolan said. Nelson receives a $20,000 annual "allowance" to be used at his discretion. The board doubled the allowance two years ago. He also has a $500,000 term life insurance policy in which NMC is named co-beneficiary, and he has a deferred compensation plan.

"All his benefits are the same as they were," Dolan said.

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