Despite last year’s bleak budget forecast, Delta State University, along with Mississippi’s seven other public universities, will fare much better than expected with the 2012 budget.
“The Board of Trustees and I are grateful that the FY 2012 proposed budget reduces our universities’ budgets less than two percent from FY 2011 appropriations,” said Dr. Bettye Neely, president of the Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning. “We understand that, in these difficult economic times, this is the best-case scenario for our institutions.”
“While a budget cut is never good news, the contrast is striking between this figure and the earlier projections given to the universities,” said Delta State President Dr. John Hilpert. “Whether from the Governor, the State Economist, or the IHL Staff, we had previously received notice of estimated cuts for next year ranging from a high of 17 percent ($3.6 million) to a low of 12 percent ($2.5 million). These larger amounts were the basis for planning on this campus and at all the universities.”
In addition to money allocated to the university, three university departments received line item appropriations. The Delta Center for Culture and Learning received $150,000 while the E-Learning Center received $350,000. Also, the Commercial Aviation Department received $675,000 which is a $105,000 increase over the previous year’s appropriation.
The Legislature also approved an additional $10,850,000 in bond funding for campus construction projects. Of this total, $10,000,000 is allocated to the repair, renovation, expansion, and furnishing of Caylor-White/Walters Hall and to the repair and renovation of campus buildings, facilities, infrastructure and the continuation/completion of previously authorized projects, and $500,000 is allocated to Phases II and III of the fire station located near the University’s Aviation facilities on the west side of Cleveland. “These bond appropriations are crucial to our continued progress, and are the direct result of our outstanding state relations efforts,” said Hilpert.
The Delta State Athletics Department will receive $350,000 to upgrade facilities at Horace McCool Stadium. The funds have been allocated for the construction, furnishing, and equipping of restroom and concession facilities on the visitors’ side of the stadium. “The stadium project is the result of the persistent efforts of Senator Bob M. Dearing of Natchez, a Delta State Alumnus.” said Dr. Michelle Roberts, vice president of University Relations who is in charge of Delta State’s state and federal legislative efforts. “Senator Dearing is an avid fan of Delta State athletics and has commented for several years that we needed a concessions stand and restroom facilities for guests at football games.”
“The facility upgrades are an important factor in ensuring that Delta State will be allowed to continue hosting NCAA Division II playoff football games.” said Delta State Athletic Director Jeremy McClain. “These improvements have long been needed and will improve the overall game-day atmosphere for Delta State home games.” McClain also expressed thanks to Senator Dearing, stating, “Senator Dearing is one of Delta State’s biggest supporters in the Legislature and we appreciate his efforts to promote his alma mater.”
“I am very pleased with the results of this year’s Legislative session,” said Roberts. “Everyone at Delta State has been very helpful in putting together information needed to support our requests, and, because of our efforts, Legislators responded favorably. We greatly appreciate everyone’s support and are pleased that the outcome of the Legislative session will result in a more positive budget planning process for the campus.”
