In a press conference in December, Chancellor Robert Hemenway announced he would step down from his post effective June 30, 2009.

Former Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway will earn $340,352 per year during the next two academic years, and will get other fringe benefits, according to a memo from the Kansas Board of Regents.

Hemenway, who is on a one-year sabbatical until June 30, also will receive reimbursement for moving costs, a graduate research assistant to support his book project, office space and secretarial support in the Hall Center for the Humanities, and four tickets to KU Athletics events for the next two years.

The monetary value of season football tickets in 2009 is $300 for each season ticket, and the highest-priced men’s basketball seats are valued at $1,255 per season ticket. No mention is made in the memo of where Hemenway’s seats would be.

Hemenway’s salary is equal to the salary he earned as chancellor, though the amount of his salary taken from public funds was reduced from $267,177 to $120,000. The remainder of the salary will be paid by the KU Endowment Association.

The memo states that his teaching load for the 2010-11 academic year will be limited to one course per semester.

Lynn Bretz, a KU spokeswoman, said that Hemenway’s pay was appropriate as a contract for services to KU, and that Hemenway would be serving as a full professor of English. He has announced plans to write a book on intercollegiate athletics and to teach.

“It’s a compensation package,” Bretz said. “And he’s earned every penny of it.”

The memo also contained information about former Kansas State University President Jon Wefald and Pittsburg State University President Tom Bryant. They will make $255,298 and $202,593 next year, respectively.

Both Wefald and Bryant received similar fringe benefits. For example, Bryant received two tickets to athletic and university events, and Wefald received eight tickets to Kansas State athletic events. Each also received office space and reimbursement for moving costs.

Jill Docking, chairwoman of the Board of Regents, said the regents set the salaries comparable or below other CEOs nationally. None have had a sabbatical or break during their tenures, she said, and they remain committed to fundraising, teaching and scholarly work at their schools.

Reached Thursday evening, Hemenway said he had no comment on the agreement with the regents.

“I appreciate their support, and I look forward to serving the University of Kansas,” he said.