Murray State University President Bob Davies delivered his first “State of the University” address earlier this month. He speaks with Todd Hatton on Sounds Good about the community dialog the event provides along with his thoughts on higher education performance funding and the upcoming state legislative session.
Davies Talks Tuition Structure Changes at State of the University Address
State of the University Address
Davies went over several topics during his speech November 9, among them increased scholarship investment, a new per-credit-hour tuition model and performance-based higher education funding. He says reaction was positive, and he’s already spoken with students who raised questions.
Performance-based Funding
Early this month, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education President Bob King urged the state General Assembly to consider a performance based model. As the name implies, that system provides universities with variable funding based on certain criteria like graduation rate, student retention and more.
Davies says while the model can be positive, he has some concerns. He says it can become too focused on getting students into the workforce, and not much beyond that.
“Is that the basis of how we want to measure the success of a university when the main focus, especially at the undergraduate level, is training the mind, creating critical thought, being able to communicate and enhancing those skills, understanding diverse concepts and how to articulate new ideas?” Davies said. “Putting a price tag on those, I think, is something I believe we should shy away from.
Davies says another one of his concerns is a part of the CPE’s Strategic Planning process, specifically a focus on having students graduate at 120 credits. He says that view can negatively impact students that take more time in school, including double majors.
The MSU president adds that while he doesn’t expect any strict limits in the near future, he’s heard talks before.
Kentucky Legislative Session
Davies says this year will be a tough time for the state’s budget, with the state facing numerous issues, including pension woes and healthcare costs. The MSU President says he plans to meet with legislators over the next few months to discuss higher education and the university.
“When the budget comes out from the governor, [it] would not surprise me if his initial draft has a budget cut for all state agencies,” Davies said. “That has been floated already.”
He says the MSU Faculty Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, in conjunction with the university’s unofficial legislative liaison Jordan Smith, will hold a forum with Sen. Stan Humphries and Rep. Kenny Imes. Davies says the objective is to get lawmakers’ thoughts and predictions heading into next year’s legislative session. That meeting is scheduled for Dec. 1.
