Nevada's higher education system and the Board of Regents have been taken to task in this space for their generous compensation of campus presidents.

Boosting a position's salary every time the post turns over makes no sense, especially when new chief executives bring less experience to the table than their predecessors. These raises inevitably lead to pay increases for every other presidential position in the system, lest one leader complain of "salary inequities."

The issue became relevant again when University of Nevada, Reno President John Lilley announced this month that he was leaving for Baylor University.

Last week, however, university system Chancellor Jim Rogers announced his intention to hold the line on presidential pay. He said Mr. Lilley's current annual compensation, which includes a base salary of $227,500 and a $90,000 supplement from UNR's foundation, "will attract all of the talent we need."

Indeed. Regent Steve Sisolak of Las Vegas shares Mr. Rogers' outlook. Mr. Sisolak wants to advertise a set salary range during the search for Mr. Lilley's replacement. Such a move would set a sound fiscal precedent for future presidential recruiting.

Unfortunately, some regents fear that restricting the bargaining power of candidates might scare them off. "Depending on the background and qualifications, there is a possibility we could pay that person more," said Regent Stavros Anthony.

No way. Not when doing so would likely lead regents to boost the pay of UNLV President Carol Harter and other campus leaders.

Regents should support Mr. Rogers by putting Mr. Sisolak's plan into motion.