Public institutions of higher education across the country are in a fiscal crisis. The financial downturn has highlighted the reality that leaders in higher education must redouble efforts and continue to make compelling cases for adequate state support. Higher education, as an industry, has experienced substantial and draconian budget reductions. Examples of such cuts abound nationwide.

In September, Idaho’s governor announced 6 percent midyear budget holdbacks for universities, colleges and community colleges. Nevada’s governor is proposing a 14 percent reduction in public higher education funds for the next fiscal year. In California, state support has been reduced by nearly 20 percent, resulting in employee furloughs, cuts in enrollment and major tuition increases.

Here, in the state of Washington, four-year institutions saw an overall 21 percent reduction in the current biennium. Once federal stimulus dollars were included and a 14 percent tuition increase added, the percentage drop was still more than 10 percent. That translates into a $54 million cut over the biennium for Washington State University. During an eight-year period that saw general state spending increase by nearly 38 percent, the state’s investment in higher education dropped by more than 7 percent.

Reductions of this magnitude have both immediate and long-term impacts. We will not recover quickly, but we must begin the process. Read the rest of this entry »

It is difficult to know precisely how many Cougs attended, but the pre-game alumni event at Historic Sunset Station in San Antonio, Texas was an enormous success. The weather was perfect with bright blue skies and the Cougar spirit filled the air. Somehow it did not seem to matter that the team was 1- 6, and facing the Fightin’ Irish in the Alamodome. Cougs enjoyed each other in conversations of old, ate the Texas cuisine, and had their favorite drink or two.  It was clear that there is something very special about the Cougs — they love to celebrate, have fun, and sing the fight song. The game did not turn in our favor, but there is no doubt that San Antonio knew that the Cougs were in town.

Go Cougs!

Last night I had the delight of having dinner at Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at their invitation.  We discussed many items regarding the Greek Community, however, the focus of our evening turned toward one item in particular.  Many of their members are part of a program called Push America, a partnering charity in association with the Marine Corps that raises money for persons living with a disability as a result of their dedicated service to our country.  It is truly a remarkable program.  After dinner, Steve, whom I helped sponsor for his event in Push America, gave me a framed jersey he wore this summer – a very nice gesture which truly meant a lot.  The moment I returned to my office, I put it on the bookshelf I look at from my desk.  Steve, as part of the “Journey of Hope” in the Push America program, cycled thousands of miles this summer and helped with numerous construction charities.  The guys made a slideshow of some of the things they did along the way.  What a great way to help out, and represent your fraternity and your school at the same time.

It was a delightful evening and a perfect way to end the day for a university president – with students.  Thanks very much to Steve, Ben, Jeff, Max, their advisor Dennis and all the others for a great time.  Students can always put a smile on my face, and this case was no exception.  It is nights like last night that make me feel fortunate and proud to be president of WSU.