UCA President Allen C. Meadors addressed the Arkansas Legislative Council-Joint Budget Committee on Oct. 26 concerning funding for the university.
In his remarks, President Meadors pointed out that UCA is in better fiscal shape compared to the fall of 2008, which was the previous budget presentation to the legislature. He also stressed that the percentage of need shows UCA is the most underfunded four-year institution in the state. Currently, the university is funded at 70.49 percent of its operating need by the state compared to UAPB at 95.88; UAM at 96.32; UALR at 81.86; UAFS at 81.19; UAF at 80.04; SAUM at 86.46; HSU at 91.29; ATU at 84.10, and ASUJ at 83.50.
UCA received $4,963 per FTE during the 2009-10 fiscal year. The state average is $5,667. While underfunded, UCA is within the state average when comparing tuition, fees, room and board with other four-year schools, President Meadors told legislators.
The 2011 General Assembly will meet in early January and will be in session through the end of March or into early April. It is important for the UCA family to pay attention to the legislative process and to encourage additional funding for higher education in the state.