University Presidents Discuss State Budget at Legislature

The presidents from the state’s three universities addressed Governor Ducey’s budget proposal and each institution’s state budget request in the House Appropriations committee last week. The committee’s budget staff provided detail on the state’s financial health, which has experienced significant growth over the last year, leaving the state with a budget surplus. President Robbins discussed the University of Arizona’s request for investment in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Cooperative Extension Programs, highlighting that the Veterinary College has experienced significant student enrollment demand since its inception a few years ago, and the extension programs have not received additional state funds in several years. Both programs are unique to UA amongst Arizona’s public university system and demonstrate the university’s commitment to both rural and urban areas of the state, and UA’s expertise regarding OneHealth. President Robbins also highlighted the success of last year’s state investment in UA New Economy Initiatives, including the development of the UA School of Mining, which will be housed in the College of Engineering, and a new hypersonic wind tunnel capable of testing at air speeds of up to Mach 5.