SIUE Administration Addresses State Senate Appropriations Committee Regarding Budget Cuts
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville leaders today told Illinois Senate Appropriations Committee members that the proposed state budget cuts will have a significantly negative impact on the Metro East. The conversation took place during a meeting in the Morris University Center on campus.
“The 31.5 percent reduction in state funds proposed by the Governor’s budget would have a devastating effect on students, employees and our region,” said Julie Furst-Bowe, SIUE chancellor. “We would be forced to reduce course sections and support programs, as well as service and outreach activities.”
“SIUE is a major economic engine of the Metro East and the cuts to SIUE will have a negative impact beyond the campus,” said John Navin, interim dean of the School of Business.
“If there is a funding cut, we will try to find a way to continue to educate our students and provide essential services for our patients, but it will be challenging,” said Gireesh Gupchup, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “The positive impact that the School of Pharmacy has on the education of health professionals and service to the citizens of central and southern Illinois will be severely impacted if funding is decreased.”
SIUE Student Government President Nasir Almasri discussed how cuts to higher education would eventually drive Illinois students out of the state for college and jobs.
Photo (L-R): Gireesh Gupchup, dean of the SIUE School of Pharmacy; Nasir Almasri, SIUE student government president; Bruce Rotter, dean of the SIU School of Dental Medicine; Julie Furst-Bowe, SIUE chancellor; and John Navin.
