President’s wife not to be paid
When Utah State University President Kermit L. Hall’s wife, Phyllis, joins him in Logan at the end of February, she will not receive a salary from the university.
Though the spouses of some university presidents across the country have begun suggesting they be paid for the work they do as representatives of their universities, Phyllis Hall is not among them.
“I see my role as my husband’s wife first and foremost and to support him,” she said by phone from North Carolina. She said she does not think she should be paid and sees her role as a volunteer only, for now.
“This is the first time I have been the wife of an executive and do not see myself as an adviser,” she said.
“Mrs. Hall was not interviewed for a job at USU and is not paid,” said John DeVilbiss, director of Media Relations and Marketing at USU. “If Mrs. Hall wants to apply for a job at the university, then she will be treated as other spouses of USU employees as well as other applicants, and that is the best applicant [will be hired] for the job. There was nothing mentioned or assumed by the Board of Trustees, as far as employment [of Phyllis Hall] is concerned, during the interviewing process of President Hall.”
According to an article in Career Opportunities News, a magazine available at the USU Career Exploration Resource Center, some spouses of college presidents are stepping up and asking if their services also deserve regular compensation.
Many of these spouses spend an untold amount of time hosting student and faculty gatherings and entertaining potential donors.
DeVilbiss said even if Phyllis Hall doesn’t get paid, her importance to the university will be recognized.
“No matter what Mrs. Hall does when she arrives, she would be an invaluable asset to the University,” he said.
According to Ben Riley, ASUSU president, Phyllis Hall will come to USU as the first lady and “will act in an official role representing the university.”
Together, the Halls are a team, and one would not function as well without the other, Riley said.
“The Board of Regents met with the wives of the final candidates because it is so vitally important to have a great team,” Riley said.
Phyllis Hall said she is excited about coming to USU and getting involved in whatever capacity she can – even if that capacity comes without a paycheck.