When the Legislature is in session each year, we in higher
education make presentations about the financial challenges
our universities face. These challenges include funding
operational costs, salaries, building maintenance and
construction.
To ensure no misunderstandings, it is important for people
to know that we make our requests known for the good of our
institutions and not for personal benefit. At Ole Miss, we
believe it is our responsibility to be a national leader in
education and research. We have a duty to preserve, protect
and enhance the buildings on our campus, as they are owned
by the state of Mississippi.
Given the important role our universities play in the
state’s well-being, it is surprising – and even sometimes
frustrating – that state leaders must be persuaded each
year that maintenance of existing buildings is good
business. We would be shortsighted if we allowed
state-owned facilities to fall into disrepair.
During the 13 years I have served as chancellor at Ole
Miss, we have followed a systematic, long-range plan to
repair, renovate, restore and construct our buildings.
Working with the state bond program and a great deal of
private support, we have revitalized our campus and saved
some wonderful historic buildings. The state has provided
less than half (45 percent) of the $400 million we have
invested in facilities, but the state’s contribution is
critical. Without the bond program, we would have to defer
maintenance of our buildings and put them at risk.
By wisely investing in building repair and renovation, the
state ensures that existing structures continue to serve
the needs of students now and in the future. If those of us
who work at universities are good stewards and efficient
managers of our facilities, the return on the state’s
investment is significant. When we combine self-generated
revenue, private gifts, research funding and state support,
we are able to provide our students with nationally
competitive programs and facilities.
We urge the members of the Legislature, Gov. Haley Barbour
and all the people of Mississippi to think carefully about
the direct and indirect costs of failing to invest in our
buildings. If our classrooms, laboratories and other
facilities are allowed to decline, our teaching, research
and service programs will also decline.
With help from the state, its eight universities can
continue to enhance the quality of life for all
Mississippians.