December 19, 1997 - State Colleges and Universities Celebrate Governor's Announcement

(Dec. 17, 1997, Saint Paul) Officials at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system today praised Governor Arne H. Carlson's proposal to direct $209 million to the system's 36 institutions. The Governor's plan calls for $167 million in capital investments and $42 million in other strategic initiatives to make the system more responsive to students and employers.

"We're extremely pleased with the Governor's ambitious agenda for Minnesota's state colleges and universities," Michael Vekich, chair of the MnSCU board of trustees, said. "His commitment to bolster our capacity to develop a qualified work force will allow us to build on our strengths, and his investments in our facilities and infrastructure are unprecedented."

Governor Carlson's plan calls for targeted investments to develop statewide industry partnerships with five of the state's fastest-growing industries. Other highlights in the supplemental budget include the development of partnerships with the K-12 system; faculty and staff internships and training; and equalizing the per student funding across systems.

"Governor Carlson has both challenged and supported this system in years past," Morrie Anderson, Chancellor of the 36 state colleges and universities said. "We will do everything we can to achieve his vision for this new system as a competitive, relevant and focused system of higher education that serves the needs of its customers. We're delighted with his support."

The proposal contains several major building and remodeling projects including new facilities at Inver Hills Community College, Hibbing Community and Technical College, St. Paul Technical College and Mankato State University.

Also included is the development of two technology centers in Mankato and Rochester. The Mankato center will receive $7.7 million and serve as a community resource, a business and technology incubator and home for the Institute for Wireless Education. The Rochester Center will receive $9.7 million and be located within the new University Center Rochester. This center will serve as an advanced media and telecommunications hub serving Rochester-area students, businesses and K-12 schools.