The University of Michigan’s incoming president, Kent Syverud, could earn up to $3 million annually under a contract that includes significant bonuses and retirement contributions — a package that would outpace typical public‑college presidential pay. At the same time, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s chancellor left before his contract ended with a $1.1 million exit payment amid faculty outrage over program cuts. The contrasting moves highlight boards’ heavy reliance on high‑priced executive talent while also exposing governance and accountability strains that follow rapid leadership turnover.