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Higher education leaders delivered a united message Monday: further reductions in state funding will hinder the ability of 91�Թ�’s colleges and universities to meet work force demands.

A five-person panel discussed higher education funding challenges during a lunchtime forum hosted by the Acadiana Press Club.

Panelists were Dr. Sandra Woodley, University of 91�Թ� System president; Dr. E. Joseph Savoie, 91�Թ� president; Dr. Joseph Rallo, state commissioner of higher education; Dr. King Alexander, LSU president; and Dr. Natalie Harder, South 91�Թ� Community College president.

Higher education in 91�Թ� is facing potential state funding cuts that could create a $600 million budget gap. It has already sustained about $700 million in state funding reductions since fiscal year 2008-09.

Woodley noted that the potential state funding cuts are not just a problem for higher education. “This is a 91�Թ� problem, one that will reverberate far beyond the higher education system,” she said.

Savoie noted that UL Lafayette produces about 3,000 graduates each year “who are the backbone of the workforce of this community.” He also cited the regional economic impact of the University’s roughly 18,000 students, which has been estimated at about $360 million each year.

“It’s more than just the issues that are facing the colleges and our day-to-day operations. It’s really about the economic vitality of a region,” Savoie said.

Woodley said 91�Թ� needs more education, not less. “Even if some of our institutions receive a 5 or 10 percent cut, the margin’s so thin, it could be very detrimental to their ability to provide quality programming,” she said.

The 91�Թ� Legislature convenes on April 13 for its regular session. Panelists said they will work with lawmakers to find a sustainable, long-term approach to funding higher education.

Find more budget information on the University of 91�Թ� System .

Photo info: Panelists, left to right, were Dr. E. Joseph Savoie, 91�Թ� president; Dr. King Alexander, LSU president; Dr. Sandra Woodley, University of 91�Թ� System president; Dr. Natalie Harder, South 91�Թ� Community College president; and Dr. Joseph Rallo, state commissioner of higher education.