Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
Joliet Patch's latest compensation exclusive examines the top pay for administrators at the University of St. Francis on Wilcox Street. JOLIET, IL — As people around Joliet are now aware, the University of St. Francis on Wilcox Street finds itself facing serious financial challenges after new university president Ryan Hendrickson announced 18 staff and administrative reductions, adding that "a number of faculty have received non-renewal notifications." In the wake of USF's financial situation, Joliet Patch obtained access to the University of St. Francis' financial data that it must publicly share as part of Internal Revenue Service guidelines for non-profit organizations, including colleges and universities. Even though they are often a year behind schedule, the documents provide a window into the financial status of an organization such as the University of St. Francis. The most recent publicly available documents are from the university's fiscal year ending in 2024; the documents were signed and dated Oct. 11, 2024. Prior To Making $680,000, Arvid Johnson Made $630,799 In 2023 According to its 2024 fiscal report listing highest compensated employees, University of Saint Francis President Arvid Johnson was paid $680,013, drawing in $623,682, plus another $56,331 in other compensation from the organization and related organizations. A year prior, Johnson made $630,799, drawing $578,250, plus an additional $52,549 in other compensation, according to the 990 forms filed by the University of St. Francis from October 13, 2023. The 990 forms posted online for USF only go back the past four fiscal years. During the 2022 fiscal year, Johnson made a total of $595,766, including $525,127 in primary compensation plus another $70,639 in other compensation. According to the data, Johnson's compensation had increased by more than $100,000 from the previous fiscal year. During the 2021 fiscal year, Johnson made a total of $492,582, or $449,431 in compensation plus another $41,151 in additional forms of compensation, according to documents USF submitted on Oct. 15, 2021. As for Johnson, the 2024-2025 school year marked his final one as university of president. Johnson served for 12 years in that role, retiring in May. According to its website, the University of St. Francis has 1,051 undergraduate full-time students plus 49 undergraduate part-time students. USF also has 1,686 students enrolled in its graduate and doctoral programs, plus 126 adults enrolled in its undergraduate programs. The student population is 64 percent female and 34 percent male. As for tuition and housing, USF indicates it costs $38,900 per year for traditional student tuition and the range is $299 to $934 per credit hour for adult undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. "It Has Been A Pleasure To Work With Dr. Johnson": Joe Mallof According to its IRS documents submitted a year ago, the University of St. Francis' grants and contributions were just under $5 million, down from $7.8 million the previous fiscal year. Program service revenue also dropped, from $62.3 million to $59.6 million. Overall, total revenue was $67.8 million, down from $71.7 million. Meanwhile, salaries, compensation and employee benefits climbed from $28 million to more than $28.6 million by the time USF's 2024 fiscal year ended — as Johnson's total compensation increased from $630,799 to $680,013 during that period. Under the category of revenue less expenses, USF listed a deficit expenditure of nearly $2.5 million for fiscal year 2024. During the previous fiscal year, USF was in the black, showing $2.2 million in overall revenue after expenses were paid. When USF announced Johnson's retirement plans back in April 2024, the press release from USF included the following remarks: “It has been a pleasure to work with Dr. Johnson,” said Joe Mallof, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees. “His passionate commitment to students and love of USF, coupled with fiscal responsibility and many accomplishments makes Dr. Johnson an active and innovative leader. The entire Board thanks Arvid and his wife, Anne, for their many years of service and dedication. We are very grateful for a yearlong transition period so we can find a next president who shares Dr. Johnson’s commitment to USF’s high standards and embodies our values.” New University of St. Francis President Rejects Joliet Patch Interview In June, Clarissa McKnabb, assistant director of Scholarships & Community Relations at the University of St. Francis, reached out to Joliet Patch's editor, saying, "Dr. Ryan C. Hendrickson joined us earlier this month as the University's Tenth President, bringing with him over 26 years of experience in higher education. His plans for the future of the University of St. Francis and Joliet are very community oriented. I’d love to connect you and Dr. Hendrickson for an interview where he can share more about their goals, values, and what he's most excited to build alongside our local partners." While spending most of his academic career at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Hendrickson spent 10 years in senior leadership positions, including his role as provost and vice president for academic affairs, L.M. Hamand dean of the Graduate School, acting dean of the College of Health and Human Services and acting dean of Booth Library. On Monday, Joliet Patch reached out to McKnabb seeking to set up an interview with Hendrickson to discuss the University of St. Francis' ongoing financial challenges as well as the staff reductions he is implementing. On Tuesday morning, Lisa Sampalis, vice president for university advancement, notified Joliet Patch that Hendrickson will not be making himself available for an interview with Patch. Sampalis wrote, "At this time, USF will decline the invitation for an interview. However, additional information about the academic reorganization can be found out www.stfrancis.edu/saints-united." Back on Oct. 13, USF posted a joint statement written Hendrickson and Steve Hernandez, chairman of USF's board of trustees, indicating, "As Dr. Hendrickson shared with the campus community, this strategic reorganization will entail operational and workforce reductions. We anticipate that staff employment notifications will occur by Tuesday, October 28. Faculty non-renewal notifications will occur on Wednesday, October 15 in compliance with our Policy Manual ... Dr. Hendrickson will conduct another Town Hall meeting with the campus community on Wednesday, November 12. That meeting will include updates and strategic discussion regarding the reorganization process and how the University will be positioned for future growth."
