OSU response to proposed FY17 state of Oklahoma budget

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Statement from Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis regarding proposed state budget for fiscal year 2017:

“We are greatly concerned that state leaders have proposed a budget reducing investment in one of our state’s most valuable economic drivers – higher education. Now, more than ever, our state needs an educated workforce with the critical thinking and knowledge base to attract business and boost our economy. The proposed budget represents a severe blow to higher education’s ability to serve and support Oklahoma’s economy.

“Combined with revenue cuts during the current fiscal year, the proposed budget is nearly 20 percent less than a year ago. A reduction of this magnitude will have a damaging impact on OSU’s land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach for Oklahoma.

“We will be forced to hire fewer faculty and cut back on certain academic programs, coming at a time when many of our programs are growing and experiencing great industry demand. Engineering is one example.

“We’ll also be making tough decisions regarding tuition. OSU has worked hard to hold down the cost for students and remains one of the best values in the country as ranked by Princeton Review, Kiplinger’s and others. OSU’s average tuition increase over the past seven years has been 2.4 percent, while state appropriations over that same period dropped 11.5 percent, even though enrollment increased by more than 3,700 students.

“We understand the budget challenges facing our elected leaders and appreciate the difficulty they face, but we believe this proposal is giving higher education too big of a load.”