Nikki Krawitz, the UM Systems vice president of finance and administration, along with several other higher education institution representatives spoke in front of lawmakers Wednesday to present their need for state funding.
and several other higher education officials told lawmakers they supported Gov.
This is good for our university and its good for our state, Krawitz
said the UM
System educates many of the states skilled workers, which increases costs for the system.
Its expensive to provide quality professional education, Krawitz
But we do it because its our mission and its in our DNA.
told the Appropriations for Education Committee
and past lawmakers have invested in the UM
Systems mission for 175 years.
They understood the importance of the support that allows us to fulfill our unique mission, Krawitz
said that the UM
System is showing their value to the state everyday by bringing $250 million of resources into Missouri
System has experienced a 34 percent enrollment increase since Fall 2000 adding more than 19,000 students to their campuses, Krawitz
Thats like adding a new four-year campus to the state, she
With increased enrollment, the UM
System campuses have found it difficult to maintain functional facilities.
told lawmakers that the St. Louis campus has buildings that were built 50 years ago and require maintenance.
Krawitz reminded lawmakers that System President Tim Wolfe spoke last year in support of performance funding as long as the UM Systems unique mission and the cost associated with that mission are taken into consideration.