U. faculty among highest paid in country

Members of the University's faculty are among the best paid in the nation. According to a study published in this week's Chronicle of Higher Education, the University is ranked 10th among research institutions in total salary paid to its faculty. And tax documents obtained by The Daily Pennsylvanian reveal that several faculty members earn higher salaries than even the top University administrators. The highest-paid faculty member here is Urology Professor Alan Wein, who earned $979,000 in the 1993 fiscal year. Wein also received $20,500 in benefits from the University. He was the University's highest-paid employee in the 1992 fiscal year as well, earning more than $1 million. The other highest-paid University professors were also affiliated with the School of Medicine. Surgery Professor William Potsic took home $737,105 in 1993, along with a $20,500 benefits plan. Several other Medical School professors earned more than $600,000. And William Kelley, dean of the Medical School and chief executive officer of the Medical Center, earned more than $630,000 between his salary, benefits and expense account. In contrast, former Interim Provost Marvin Lazerson made $190,000 during his term of office, along with $22,789 in benefits and a $6,000 expense account. But Medical Center spokesperson Lori Doyle, said it is not at all unusual for medical faculty to earn more than other professors or administrators. "They're doctors," she said. "Their income is from seeing patients and doing surgery. It's not as if they only teach and do research. They also take care of patients."