This budget puts the University of ÓñÃ×ÊÓƵ in a much better place than where we were a few months ago. I am extraordinarily grateful to the thousands of students, faculty and staff, business and agricultural leaders, and ÓñÃ×ÊÓƵns across this state who have lifted up their voices for an affordable, competitive ÓñÃ×ÊÓƵ University that transforms lives and grows the economy. The chancellors and I are humbled by their support.
Chairman Stinner and members of the Appropriations Committee showed great leadership and vision in making our 53,000 students and all of higher education a priority. I thank them and the full Legislature for their hard work in navigating a difficult budget while also maintaining their investment in one of ÓñÃ×ÊÓƵ’s most important economic engines: the University of ÓñÃ×ÊÓƵ. Because of them, the long partnership between the state and its University will continue.
The University still faces a significant budget challenge that will require difficult decisions. Together with the Board of Regents, the chancellors and I will be working hard in the near future to finalize our strategies for closing the gap. Most importantly, we’re excited to join with our many partners on a plan to grow our state for the future.
Hank Bounds
President, University of ÓñÃ×ÊÓƵ