What Christian universities prioritize

One might a expect a Christian university to prioritize (not merely have, but prioritize) things like:

• A strong program in biblical or theological education as part of a core curriculum.
• A strong program in the humanities. These are the disciplines such as history, philosophy, literature, and languages that speak to the human condition.
• A strong chaplaincy or student ministry program to cultivate Christian faith in the lives of students.
• Programs and institutes designed to help faculty integrate faith and learning in the classroom.
• Well-paid full-time faculty who can serve as Christian mentors to students, teach effectively, engage the public, and produce first-rate scholarship.
• Experts who will help students think about their calling or vocation.
• Mental health professionals to help students cope with anxiety and other disorders.

I am sure you could add more to this list. I should also add that a lot of Christian colleges are doing this well within the bounds of their limited resources.

My point is that if you want to understand what Christian college and universities value, follow the money.

Last night I called your attention to the Ministry Watch list of highly paid ministry executives. Today I want to call your attention to Ministry Watch’s list of the highest-paid Christian college and university “executives.”

Who are making the big bucks in Christian higher education? Tell me if you see a trend:

1. Scott Drew, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Baylor University, $5,132,821
2. Danny Freeze Jr., Head Football Coach at Liberty University, $3,461, 234 (He is now head coach at Auburn)
3. Dave Aranda, Head Football Coach at Baylor University, $3,021, 003
4. Mack Rhoades, Director of Athletics, Baylor University, $2,596, 826
5. Nido Quebein, President of High Point University, $2,155, 537
6. Linda Livingstone, President of Baylor University, $1,585, 720
7. Bryce Drew, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Grand Canyon University, $1,506,360
8. Ritchie McKay, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Liberty University, $1,368, 036
9. David Morehead, Chief Investment Officer, Baylor University, $1,228, 066
10. Kim Mulkey, Former Baylor Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Baylor University, $1,226, 751
11. Larry Arnn, President, Hillsdale College, $1,166,144
12. Tubby Smith, Head Basketball Coach, High Point University, $1,104, 436
13. Jerry Prevo, Trustee/President, Liberty University, $1,048, 277
14. Dan Majerle, Former Head Basketball Coach, Grand Canyon University, $1,000,000
15. Ronald Ellis, President, California Baptist University, $952,358
16. Henry Radda, Provost, Grand Canyon University, $938,567
17. James Gash, President, Pepperdine University, $928,829
18. Ron Roberts, Football Defensive Coordinator, $907, 728
19. Brian Roberts, General Counsel, Grand Canyon University, $881, 052
20. Ian McCaw, Director of Athletics, Liberty University, $867, 312.
21. Jeff Grimes, Football Offensive Coordinator, Baylor University, $860,015
22. Lorenzo Romar, Head Basketball Coach, Pepperdine University, $820,397
23. Robert B. Sloan, President, Houston Christian University, $795,240
24. Jennifer Lech, “Academic Affairs,” Grand Canyon University, $750,217
25. Adam Wright, President, Dallas Baptist University, $732, 204

Three quick thoughts:

First, there are a lot of coaches on this list. Imagine what all the money given to coaches could do for the points I raised in the beginning of this post.

Second, the list is dominated by Baylor, Grand Canyon, and Liberty. The latter two make most of their money through online education.

Third, there is only one faculty member in the top 100. Historian Ed Larson is pulling-in $408,492 as the Darling Chair in Law at Pepperdine University, but he is not making as much as the tight ends coach or the linebacker coach at Liberty University. (Rick Marrs of Pepperdine is listed as a professor, but his salary appears to reflect his role as Provost).

Is something wrong here?