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Murray State President on Performance Funding: "This is Preseason"

Matt Markgraf, WKMS

Kentucky college and university presidents aren't shying away from performance funding set to go into effect next summer, but a philosophical disagreement between them remains ahead of a December deadline. 

The Performance Funding Work Group comprised of higher ed and government leaders met this week in Frankfort. Murray State University President Bob Davies, who is in the work group, said discussion over quality versus quantity metrics continues to be a dividing factor.

Davies said he believes there should be a blend, "We do need to have more graduates but they need to be good graduates, they've got to have quality experiences. I don't want to be seen as a member of a state higher education process that becomes 'diploma mill only.'"

Davies says he believe students should learn to be logical thinkers and make good decisions, qualities he has called 'soft skills.'

The work group's effort at this stage, Davies said, is only the 'preseason' - "In that, what we present to the general assembly will be morphed, twisted, turned upside down in the political process," he said.

He said the group is otherwise making strides, for instance, discussion now centers on ‘making good policy’ versus ‘making the model right.’ He said there's "no other choice" ahead of the December 1st deadline. The group will then present their framework to the Education Committee who will take it to the General Assembly.

Signaling optimism, Davies said, "we are hopeful and we have expressed that directly during these meetings that state investment must follow the expectations."

On July 1, 2017, 5% of higher ed state appropriation moves to a performance funding model.

Background:

Davies comments came during an update on performance funding at the Murray State Board of Regents annual retreat on September 8, ahead of their September 9 meeting. Other topics discussed in the meeting included a review of procedures, the incoming class, budget and enrollment updates, the dual-credit program and big-picture plans for the academic year (including experiential learning and diversity efforts).

New Board of Regents appointees Dr. Walter Bumphus and Lisa Rudolph as well as Faculty Regent Katherine Farmer took part in the board discussion for the first time. Clint Combs also returns as Student Regent.

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
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