California State University Long Beach President Robert Maxson was awarded the largest executive raise out of the 23 CSU presidents. He was given a raise of 15.4 percent, raising his salary to $175,000 a year.

The raises were based on a merit system that considered performance, progress, fundraising, size of campus and cost of living. Chancellor Barry Munitz reviewed the raises and the CSU Board of Trustees approved them.

"The trustees hold President Maxson in high regard. His last evaluation was outstanding," said Ken Swisher, spokesman for the Chancellor's Office.

"His community relations are very good and he is an excellent fund-raiser. School morale has increased and he has done very well with the scholars program,Ó Swisher said. This year, 94 percent of CSULB's incoming freshmen are fulltime students. Seventy-four of those are California valedictorians.

"I don't think its appropriate for me to speak on this issue," Maxson said. "I've been treated more than fair ever since I came to Cal State Long Beach."

"I am just honored to have the privilege to work here," Maxson said.

President Maxson now is the third highest paid CSU president. The highest paid is President Warren J. Baker of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, with an annual salary of $180,708.

Above Maxson is President Stephen Weber of San Diego State with an annual salary of $176,964. Both Baker and Weber received a 12 percent salary increase.

Trustees approved the raise after the California Post Secondary Education Committee reported a 30.5 percent salary difference between CSU executives and other comparable university presidents.