CHARLESTON W.Va.

The Higher Education Policy Commission has approved pay raises for the presidents of six public universities and colleges, along with two contract extensions.

The salary hikes ranged from $7,210 for Concord University President Jerry Beasley to $675 for Bluefield State College President Albert Walker.

Beasley, who plans to retire in July, will now earn $151,410. Walker, whose contract was extended to June 2009, will earn $148,047.

Glenville State College President Peter Barr's salary will increase by 3.5 percent to $151,835. West Virginia State University President Hazo Carter also received a 3.5 percent pay raise, which will bring his salary to $161,402.

Fairmont State University President Dan Bradley received a $4,800 raise, or 3 percent, and will earn $164,568. The commission approved a $3,402 increase for Olen Jones, president of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Jones will now earn $229,104.

The commission approved a five-year contract extension for Marshall University President Stephen Kopp and recommended a $6,780 raise, or 3 percent, which the university's Board of Governors had not requested.

Information from: The Charleston Gazette, http://www.wvgazette.com

- Associated Press