2008 Woodie Awards
Vote Absentee
HIGHER EDUCATION
Universities from across the state demonstrate commitment to higher education
Whitney Maddox
Issue date: 3/8/08 Section: University News
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Jacksonville State University, Alabama State University, Troy University, and Montevallo University brought bus loads of students to the state capital to protests the governor's proposed budget cuts to higher education next fall.
Gov. Bob Riley has proposed a state education budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1 that would provide $1.2 billion for universities - a decrease of 13.3 percent from this year. One major objection from universities is that Riley has proposed allocating $4 billion to K-12 education, a reduction of 2.6 percent."
Topics of discussion included tax cuts, the future of education in the state of Alabama and using student voices to get proper funding to affordable tuition.
"We will not stand for the 14 percent cut in higher education funding," said Gordon Stone, executive director for the Higher Education Partnership. Stone, who served as the moderator for the event was ecstatic about the outcome.
"This is the largest crowd for higher education," Stone said, "We have to get our one-third percent, we have to get our fair share. Our goal is the three E's: Excellence, Equality and Education.
Laura Edmonds, chair of the Higher Education Partnership said her main goal is getting affordable tuition for all students. She mentioned that Alabama is still below regional average in higher education funding, but "fair and equitable to all" needs to be the focus for the future.
"You are our future," Edmonds said, "You are our future doctors, lawyers, engineers and teachers."
"I had so much fun," said a student from Troy University. "It was hot, but the people made it interesting."
Mayor Bobby Bright also took the podium and ensured supporters the he wants to "build the best higher education system in Alabama." He mentioned that the budget has grown from four billion dollars to $5.6 billion. This is up from the $200 million budget that Alabama had to use in the 1990s.
Each legislator and government official that took the podium was in awe of all the student participation and energy that was presented.
Sen. Hinton Mitchem took a look at the crowd and delivered his brief statement.
"We love you," he said, "It makes me feel so good go look out on this crowd and see the future of Alabama."
Sen. Hank Sanders was also appreciative of all the student (and teacher) participation at this year's rally.
"It is just so wonderful to see you. As we become stronger, you become involved. I will do whatever it requires to make education affordable to all," Sanders said.
The Student Government President from Jacksonville State University, David Jennings, spoke on behalf of the students. "From a student, to a student" was his motto.
"We have to things to deal with, a problem and the solution," said Jennings, "We think money is the problem, no, it isn't. Not using our voice is the problem, and we are the solution."
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