Salaries released by the state earlier this week recently revealed exactly how much Iowa’s university officials are paid.

Although most have six-digit salaries, comparing them to one another states a surprising reality.

Iowa State men’s basketball coach Tim Floyd received a salary of $277,675 during the 1994-95 academic year. This makes him the highest paid employee at the university. This is quite a contrast from ISU President Martin Jischke, who receives a salary of $198,000.

The same salary comparison can be made at the University of Iowa.

Iowa men’s basketball coach Tom Davis received an annual salary of $484,302 during the 1994-95 academic year. However, Iowa President Mary Sue Coleman receives a salary of $198,000.

The salaries of our highest- paid university officials are in the athletic departments.

One exception can be made, however, for Robert Kelch, medical college dean at the University of Iowa, whose salary is $320,103. Yet, his salary is still lower than Davis’.

This comparison definitely says something about our society. It should make us question where we place our priorities and where we should place them.

Athletics or academics?

Although the salaries indicate they go to athletics, coaches like Davis and Floyd should not be penalized for their earnings. They have certainly earned their salaries.

However, when a dean of a medical school is seen in a higher light than a men’s basketball coach, it is an indication of what society regards as more important.

It is more exciting to see a basketball game than surgery. But is it more important to note how much a player scored in a game than it is to find a cure for cancer?