Did you know that some of the most famous names in entertainment, journalism, and academia are teaching at the University of Michigan? But here's where it gets controversial: their salaries are public, and they might not be what you expect. From Grammy winners to political podcasters, these celebrities are not just lending their star power but also their expertise to the next generation of students. And while their salaries are impressive, they don’t tell the whole story—bonuses, grants, and other perks aren’t included. So, who are these high-profile faculty members, and how much are they really earning? Let’s dive in.
First up, John Cameron Mitchell, the director and star of the cult classic Hedwig and the Angry Inch, joined the University of Michigan (UM) this fall as a visiting professor in the film, television, and media department. His salary for 2025? A cool $390,098. But here’s the part most people miss: Mitchell’s role isn’t just about teaching—it’s about bringing real-world experience into the classroom. Is this a fair investment for the university, or are they overpaying for star power?
Next, Kara Swisher, the tech journalism titan and podcast host, made waves when she joined UM as a visiting professor. With a salary of $204,082, Swisher brings her expertise in technology and media to the Ford School of Public Policy. But here’s the controversial bit: Swisher’s salary is significantly lower than Mitchell’s. Does this reflect the value placed on different fields, or is it simply a matter of supply and demand?
Then there’s Eli Savit, the prosecuting attorney for Washtenaw County and a Democratic candidate for Michigan attorney general. Savit also lectures at UM Law School, earning $95,400 this year. Is it ethical for a public official to hold a teaching position while running for higher office?
Music fans will recognize Chris Vrenna, the former drummer for Nine Inch Nails, who now teaches at the UM School of Music, Theatre & Dance. His salary? $93,042. Vrenna’s transition from the stage to the classroom is a testament to the diverse paths artists can take. But is his salary reflective of his industry experience, or is academia undervaluing his talent?
Michael Daugherty, a six-time Grammy-winning composer, has been a professor of music composition at UM since 1991. His salary this year was $149,802. Daugherty’s long-standing career in both academia and the music industry raises an interesting question: Are artists who teach paid fairly compared to their peers in the industry?
In a more contentious note, Mark Schlissel, the former UM president fired in 2022 for an inappropriate relationship with an employee, returned to teach a human immunology class in 2023. His salary? $204,000. Should someone with such a controversial past still hold a position at the university, even if it’s just as a professor?
Shifting gears, Biff Poggi, the interim head football coach, took over after Sherrone Moore was fired for an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate. Poggi’s salary is a modest $45,000, especially considering his background as a hedge fund co-owner. Is this a case of passion over pay, or is the university underestimating the value of interim leadership?
Speaking of Moore, the ousted head football coach earned $510,000 this year before his dismissal. Are these high salaries for coaches justified, or is it time to reevaluate how universities allocate their funds?
Back in the arts, Timothy McAllister, a Grammy-winning classical saxophonist and professor, earned $209,494. McAllister’s dual career as a performer and educator highlights the unique challenges of balancing both worlds. Is his salary a fair reflection of his contributions to both fields?
Amy Stillman, a Grammy-winning producer and lyricist, teaches American culture and music at UM, earning $149,557. Stillman’s work in Hawaiian music brings a unique perspective to the classroom. But is her salary commensurate with her achievements in the industry?
Finally, Ruth Behar, an acclaimed anthropologist and author, earned $187,160 this year. Behar’s work, including her memoir Traveling Heavy and novel Lucky Broken Girl, adds depth to her teaching. Are academics who are also successful authors paid enough for their dual roles?
MLive/The Ann Arbor News has compiled a comprehensive database of all 54,000+ UM employee salaries for 2025, based on the university’s annual salary disclosure report. But the bigger question remains: How do these salaries reflect the value we place on education, art, and public service? And are we getting it right?
What do you think? Are these salaries fair, or is there a deeper issue at play? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
