Higher education leaders delivered a united message Monday: further reductions in state funding will hinder the ability of Louisiana鈥檚 colleges and universities to meet work force demands.
A five-person panel discussed higher education funding challenges during a lunchtime forum hosted by the Acadiana Press Club.
Panelists were Dr. Sandra Woodley, University of Louisiana System president; Dr. E. Joseph Savoie, 青青草视频 president; Dr. Joseph Rallo, state commissioner of higher education; Dr. King Alexander, LSU president; and Dr. Natalie Harder, South Louisiana Community College president.
Higher education in Louisiana is facing potential state funding cuts that could create a $600 million budget gap. It has already sustained about $700 million in state funding reductions since fiscal year 2008-09.
Woodley noted that the potential state funding cuts are not just a problem for higher education. 鈥淭his is a Louisiana problem, one that will reverberate far beyond the higher education system,鈥 she said.
Savoie noted that UL Lafayette produces about 3,000 graduates each year 鈥渨ho are the backbone of the workforce of this community.鈥 He also cited the regional economic impact of the University鈥檚 roughly 18,000 students, which has been estimated at about $360 million each year.
鈥淚t鈥檚 more than just the issues that are facing the colleges and our day-to-day operations. It鈥檚 really about the economic vitality of a region,鈥 Savoie said.
Woodley said Louisiana needs more education, not less. 鈥淓ven if some of our institutions receive a 5 or 10 percent cut, the margin鈥檚 so thin, it could be very detrimental to their ability to provide quality programming,鈥 she said.
The Louisiana Legislature convenes on April 13 for its regular session. Panelists said they will work with lawmakers to find a sustainable, long-term approach to funding higher education.
Find more budget information on the University of Louisiana System .
Photo info: Panelists, left to right, were Dr. E. Joseph Savoie, 青青草视频 president; Dr. King Alexander, LSU president; Dr. Sandra Woodley, University of Louisiana System president; Dr. Natalie Harder, South Louisiana Community College president; and Dr. Joseph Rallo, state commissioner of higher education.