The economic downturn that has left state coffers facing a revenue shortfall of as much as $1 billion will have dramatic impact on MTSU’s funding in the coming years.
The state’s fastest growing university will likely be forced to trim $10-12 million from its budget next year and probably more than $20 million by 2010.
Under any circumstances that is a grim situation.
But, MTSU President Sidney McPhee has been there, done that and offers hope that the university, so integral to our community, will continue to thrive if somewhat leaner.
McPhee is not facing tough budgetary times for the first time.
In fact, he started his tenure as MTSU president in the face of a state fiscal crisis and required budget cuts.
When McPhee assumed his current position Tennessee was dealing with a
budget crisis that arose under the generally incompetent Sundquist administration that never learned the in and outs of the state budgetary process.
Tennessee was then in such a financial mess then that eventually saw Sundquist launch an ill-fated effort to enact a state income tax.
McPhee did what was necessary and required by the state in cutting and controlling costs.
But, from the onset he made it clear he would not use and would not allow those working with him to use the budget cuts as a reason or excuse not to pursue excellence.
Lots of state offices would call that unrealistic, ridiculous or impossible.
Yet, MTSU, under McPhee’s leadership and direction, lived with its budget cuts and continued to make dramatic improvements and advancements.
The latest round of cuts may well turn out to be more drastic that that early test by fire.
But, McPhee has a record, as does many of his staff, of finding ways to make things work and improve, regardless of the circumstances.
We feel confident MTSU will find a way to prosper and progress under the challenges it faces now.
Some day, however, Tennessee is going to have to reassess its commitment to higher education and re-examine the tremendous financial burden that has been transferred to students and their families.
In a world economy where cheap labor or a college degree are the price of admission, a country that claims to be the greatest nation in the world can only maintain such a lofty position by having an educated work force equal to the times and competition.
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