The United Faculty of Florida–University of North Florida released salary data showing that 14 university administrators received raises totaling $412,735.63 since May 2025 — with an average increase of more than $29,000 each — while roughly 250 faculty members received across-the-board raises of $1,200.

Administrators earning more than $175,000 saw percentage increases ranging from 1.97% to 29.58%, with several raises tied to expanded responsibilities, retention, or contract renewals, according to the records provided to UFF-UNF by the university in an open-records request.

The largest raises included:

  • Scott Bennett, senior vice president for Administration and Finance, received a $70,246.95 increase, raising his salary to $375,000. 
  • Karen Patterson, provost and executive vice president, received a $65,144 increase, raising her salary to $425,000. 
  • Caitlin Doherty, associate vice president for Arts and MOCA executive director, received a 29.58% raise — a $63,919.75 increase to $280,000. 
  • Teresa Nichols, vice president for University Development and Alumni Engagement, received a $48,315 increase, raising her salary to $300,000. 
  • Abby Willcox, associate vice president of Institutional Research and Performance, received a $44,830.10 increase, raising her salary to $255,000.

Other raises ranged from $5,200 to $27,960, including increases for college deans, vice presidents and assistant vice presidents.

By comparison, UNF allocated approximately $300,000 for faculty raises this year — the equivalent of $1,200 per eligible faculty member, according to UFF-UNF President Madalina Tanase. That means the total amount distributed to 14 administrators exceeded the entire faculty raise pool by 37.58% more than the raise amount allocated to about 500 faculty.

Since July 2022, UNF has implemented across-the-board faculty raises averaging 14.8%. Since July 1, 2024, 399 faculty members have also received additional raises totaling $2.9 million, as the university works to close pay gaps for employees earning below market rates, according to a university spokesperson. 

“UNF fosters a work environment that prioritizes fair compensation and opportunities for internal advancement among faculty and staff as it works to recruit and retain top talent,” said a university spokesperson. 

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