The Board of Regents of Pullman Washington State University approved the request, reducing Elson Floyd's salary from $725,000 to $625,000, The Spokane Spokesman-Review reported.

"These are exceedingly tough times for my students, faculty and staff," Floyd said. "We will be asking them to think more creatively and work harder with less as we deal with budgetary restraints. It is incumbent upon me to lead by example."

The school president told employees and students Thursday he has identified $3 million in savings that can be made without layoffs, the Tri-City Herald said. With Washington facing a $5 billion shortfall in the state budget, the state Office of Financial Management has asked the university to cut $6 million in spending by June 30.