The University of Colorado Boulder’s Board of Regents voted Thursday afternoon to name Mark Kennedy as the new president of the school.
He was chosen by a narrow 5-4 vote, all along party lines, with five Republican regents voting yes and four Democrats voting no.
Kennedy will be paid $650,000 in his first year at the University and $850,000 in his second and third years, according to a three-year deal that was also approved Thursday.
He will also receive $80,000 in moving expenses and several bonuses and allowances including $15,000 each year for a car.
The vote followed a turbulent two weeks for Kennedy. After he was named the sole finalist by the Board of Regents, CU Boulder students held a protest at the Norlan Library on the school's campus.
"We just feel he is ultimately not the right fit for CU based on his business record, based on his record at the University of North Dakota as their president, and his Congressional voting record," CU Student Rachel Ward told 9NEWS at the time.
Kennedy previously served as president of the University of North Dakota. He will replace outgoing President Bruce Benson.
"The board of regents believed he’s someone who had a unique set of skills and experience that make him the right person for this job," said Ken McConnellogue, vice president of communications for the University of Colorado.
Before venturing into higher education, Kennedy worked as a business executive and Congressman representing the people of Minnesota from 2001 to 2007.
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