August 31, 2025

FSU President Richard McCullough Receives Salary Increase

News Summary

Florida State University President Richard McCullough has been awarded a 10% salary increase raising his annual compensation to $1.25 million, following a positive evaluation by the Board of Trustees. The Board commended McCullough’s leadership and management during challenging times, particularly after a campus shooting. His compensation now exceeds that of the University of Florida’s interim president. While fundraising efforts fell short, McCullough aims to improve future initiatives and student experiences at FSU.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – FSU President Richard McCullough Receives Salary Increase and Positive Evaluation After Fourth Year in Office

Florida State University (FSU) President Richard McCullough has received a 10% salary increase, raising his annual compensation to $1.25 million. This adjustment follows a positive evaluation from the FSU Board of Trustees, which took place on August 29, 2024. In addition to the salary boost, McCullough is also set to receive a one-time bonus amounting to approximately $550,000.

This adjustment marks the fifth year of McCullough’s presidency at FSU. In the previous year, he received similar recognition with a 10% raise and a $320,000 bonus, which elevated his salary to $1.1 million. Notably, McCullough’s compensation surpasses that of University of Florida interim President Kent Fuchs, who earns an annual salary of $1 million.

Performance Evaluation and Recognition

The Board of Trustees based its evaluation on McCullough’s performance against six primary goals that the university has established. All 13 trustees rated him as “exceeds expectations,” reflecting substantial support for his leadership. FSU Board Chair Peter Collins acknowledged McCullough’s capability in managing a sizable student body of 44,000 and over 6,000 employees alongside a challenging budget.

The six evaluation goals included investments in student success, research and entrepreneurial excellence, fundraising efforts, and the student athlete experience. Trustees have commended McCullough’s passionate leadership, especially in light of the tragic campus shooting that occurred on April 17. Many notes that students have grown more familiar with McCullough’s leadership style since the incident.

Funding Challenges and Future Goals

While McCullough had a productive year concerning student investments, he acknowledged that fundraising fell short during the last fiscal year, with the university raising over $65 million against a target of $100 million. However, he remains optimistic about future fundraising opportunities.

In discussions regarding the future, the Board has underscored the significance of FSU Health initiatives not only in securing essential funding but also in enhancing university resources overall. McCullough is also focused on plans to improve FSU’s public university rankings and graduation rates, with aspirations to join the Association of American Universities (AAU).

Background on McCullough’s Presidency

McCullough’s current contract reflects a significant salary increase from his initial position, which started at $700,000. The Board of Trustees has expressed satisfaction with his progress over the years, recognizing his leadership in maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for the university community. In their evaluations, trustees have praised his embodiment of family values and his understanding of the university community’s needs.

As McCullough continues into his tenure, he aims to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities that would elevate FSU’s status and student experience further. His leadership during crises and day-to-day operations has established a reputation that resonates well within the wider educational landscape of Florida.

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Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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