Chapman executives’ salaries exceed national averages

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How much do Chapman University’s top executives earn? According to the university’s 990 Form for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the answer reveals figures that exceed the average earnings of private college executives nationwide.

The 990 Form, required for tax-exempt organizations, provides insight into how Chapman allocates funds. It lists the compensation of key personnel, including base salaries, benefits, and other payments such as housing allowances, health benefits, and car stipends.

At the top of the list is President Daniele Struppa, who earned $1.18 million during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. His total includes $553,037 in additional payments beyond his base salary, such as benefits and allowances. 

Struppa’s earnings place him 11th among executives at private colleges nationwide, and third in both bonus pay and benefits.

Comparison with national averages

The compensation of Chapman’s executives starkly contrasts with national figures. 

The average salary for a private college professor in 2023 was $87,957. Many of Chapman’s executives and faculty are earning more than four times that amount.

Financial priorities at Chapman

However, the figures also raise questions about the university’s financial priorities, particularly when contrasted with national averages for faculty pay, the broader conversation about affordability in higher education and Chapman’s projected $30 million budget deficit.

Top 10 Highest Paid at Chapman (2022-2023)

1. $1,187,490 - Struppa, president and ex officio trustee

As Chapman’s president, Struppa takes home the largest paycheck. 

Although his earnings have decreased by nearly $600,000 since the 2019-2020 fiscal year, his total compensation exceeds $1 million, including $553,037 in "other" payments.

Nationally, Struppa ranks 11th out of 312 private college executives for total compensation and is third in both bonus pay and benefits.

Notably, his wife, Sparks, also earns $380,763 as an endowed professor of behavioral sciences —despite not teaching any classes this semester.

2. $940,407 - Hewitt, executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO)

Hewitt’s compensation rose nearly $90,000 from $850,099 in 2019-2020, securing his spot as the university’s second-highest earner. 

His "other" payments amount to $121,653.

Hewitt has been the executive vice president and COO for Chapman University since 2007.

3. $688,722 - Matt Parlow, executive vice president and chief advancement officer

A new entrant on the 990 list, Parlow played a key role in fundraising a record-breaking $72 million in 2022-2023. 

He receives $139,298 in "other" payments and has been considered to replace Struppa as the new Chapman president of Chapman. He was the second candidate to be interviewed for the position on campus on Nov. 19.

4. $682,069 - Norma Bouchard, executive vice president, provost and chief academic officer

Bouchard, who joined Chapman in the summer of 2021, holds the role of provost. This role was previously held by Glenn Pfeiffer, ranked sixth in 2019-2020. 

Additionally, Bouchard makes $157,631 in “other” payments. 

5. $681,188 - Andrew Jordan, faculty

A professor of physics and co-director of the Institute for Quantum Studies, Jordan joined Chapman in 2021. 

Jordan is teaching SCI 503 this semester; he also receives $58,045 in “other” payments. A portion of his additional compensation comes from competitive external research grants.

6. $589,442 - Vernon Smith, faculty and Nobel laureate

A Nobel Prize winner in economics, Smith teaches a course on spontaneous order and the law. Ranked five in the 2019-2020 fiscal year, he makes about $10,000 less. 

At 97, his total compensation includes $61,637 in "other" payments.

7. $565,820 - Janna Bersi, senior vice president of investments and administration

Bersi, appointed in 2019, receives $51,000 in additional payments.

8. $543,103 - Helen Norris, vice president and chief information officer (CIO)

Norris, serving as CIO since 2014, earns $66,487 in "other" funds.

9. $522,014 - Janeen Hill, acting vice president of research

Hill, overseeing Chapman’s research efforts since 2014, receives $48,341 in "other" payments.

$474,996 - Yakir Aharonov, faculty

Aharonov, 92, known for discovering over 30 physics effects, is not teaching this semester but still earns $31,200 in additional payments.

Notable Mentions

Vice President of Student Affairs Jerry Price ranks 15th with a base salary of $332,572, along with an additional $99,268 in other payments.

Correction: A previous version of this article noted Vernon Smith’s Noble Prize as a Nobel Peace Prize. Also, Andrew Jordan did not teach any classes; he teaches SCI 503 and receives additional compensation from competitive grants.