Ever wondered what it feels like when Hollywood stars or musical legends swap the spotlight for a lecture hall? Well, at the University of Michigan, a few famous faces are doing just that—and their paychecks are as transparent as any other staff member's. But here's where it gets intriguing: these salaries spark debates about fairness and fame in academia. Let's dive into the details of ten celebrity faculty members and their 2025 earnings, while unpacking the full story behind each one.
First off, it's important to note that these figures represent base salaries from the university and don't account for extras like bonuses, performance incentives, research grants, or outside earnings. This public disclosure is part of the University's commitment to transparency, allowing anyone to access salaries for all 54,000-plus employees via a dedicated database. For beginners in the world of higher education, think of this as a peek behind the curtain of how prestigious institutions compensate their talent—celebrities included.
Starting with the creative crowd, John Cameron Mitchell, the acclaimed director and actor behind the 2001 cult classic 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch,' joined the University of Michigan this fall as a visiting professor in the Film, Television, and Media Department. His salary for the year? A solid $390,098. For those new to academia, a visiting professor is typically a temporary role, often bringing real-world expertise to students without a long-term commitment.
Then there's Kara Swisher, the tech journalism powerhouse and co-founder of Recode. She's also the host of the popular 'On with Kara Swisher' podcast and co-hosts 'Pivot.' According to University announcements, she stepped into a visiting professor position at the Ford School this fall, earning $204,082. This setup allows seasoned professionals like Swisher to share insights on media and technology, enriching the learning experience.
Shifting to the legal realm, Eli Savit, the prosecuting attorney for Washtenaw County and a Democratic hopeful for Michigan's attorney general role, doubles as a lecturer at UM Law School. His annual salary? $95,400. It's a great example of how public figures blend practical experience with education.
Music lovers, take note: Chris Vrenna, the former drummer for Nine Inch Nails, transitioned to academia in fall 2024 as an assistant professor in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. He pocketed $93,042 this year. For context, assistant professors are often early-career educators focused on teaching and building their research profiles.
Michael Daugherty, a six-time Grammy-winning composer, has been a professor of music composition at UM since 1991, after stints at places like Oberlin Conservatory. His salary: $149,802. This showcases how award-winning artists can inspire the next generation of musicians.
Now, here's a point that might ruffle some feathers: Mark Schlissel, the former UM president ousted in 2022 due to an inappropriate relationship with an employee, is back in the fold. He returned in fall 2023 to teach a single human immunology class and still earns $204,000 annually for his efforts. But this is the part most people miss—or perhaps strongly disagree with: Should someone with such a controversial history continue to draw a salary from the institution? It's a hot debate on accountability and second chances.
Speaking of controversies, Biff Poggi stepped in as interim head football coach after Sherrone Moore was fired for an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate. Poggi, a coaching legend from Maryland and D.C., previously co-owned the hedge fund Samuel James Limited, reportedly worth hundreds of millions before he exited in 2010. His UM salary: $45,000. Meanwhile, the newly departed Moore, arrested that same evening for an alleged assault in Pittsfield Township, had been earning $510,000. And this is where it gets really controversial: Do high-profile firings for personal misconduct justify such hefty pay during the fallout? Many argue it raises questions about priorities in big-time college sports.
Rounding out the list, Timothy McAllister, a Grammy-winning classical saxophonist and professor of saxophone at UM, earned $209,494. As the soprano saxophonist for the acclaimed PRISM Quartet, he's a shining example of blending performance with pedagogy.
Amy Stillman, a professor of American culture and music, brought home $149,557. Her two Grammys for Best Hawaiian Music Album highlight her work as a co-producer, lyricist, and accompanist.
Finally, Ruth Behar, a renowned anthropologist and author, received $187,160. Her published works, including the memoir 'Traveling Heavy' (2013) and novel 'Lucky Broken Girl' (2017), reflect her contributions to literature and ethnography.
MLive/The Ann Arbor News compiled this data from the University's salary disclosure report released on December 9, 2025, offering a comprehensive view of employee compensation. For more local updates, keep an eye on the Ann Arbor news page.
What do you think about celebrities teaching at universities? Is it a brilliant way to bring real-world expertise to students, or does it blur lines between fame and academia? And on the controversial side, should figures like Mark Schlissel or Sherrone Moore retain their salaries amid scandals? Share your opinions in the comments—do you agree, disagree, or have a counterpoint we haven't considered? We'd love to hear your take!
