CONWAY, ARK. — University of Central Arkansas President Lu Hardin welcomed state legislative leaders to a press conference celebrating the results of the 2007 Arkansas biennial legislative session, which formally adjourned on Tuesday.
“This was a truly historic session for UCA and higher education in Arkansas,” Hardin said.
Arkansas State Senate President Pro-Tempore Jack Critcher and Senate President Pro-Tempore-Elect Bob Johnson participated in the event, which was the first time both men appeared together publicly since Johnson was elected to succeed Critcher. Sen. Gilbert Baker, Rep. Robbie Wills, Faulkner County Judge Preston Scroggin and Conway Mayor Tab Townsell also attended and made remarks.
Among the highlights Hardin noted:
? UCA received the largest single-year budget increase in its history. The UCA budget for 2007-08 is over 20 percent larger than its 2006-07 allocation, increasing from $48,170,875 to $57,126,703.
? UCA received the largest percentage budget increase of any higher education institution in Arkansas.
? Sen. Gilbert Baker allocated to UCA his full share of General Improvement Funds ? a total of $558,000.
? UCA received $100,000 through an equal distribution to Arkansas higher education institutions approved by the House of Representatives.
Hardin called the session among the best ever for higher education in Arkansas, as evidenced by a 10 percent overall funding increase, an elevation of the annual family income limit for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship (over 1,200 Academic Challenge Scholarship winners come to UCA every year), an increase in the number of Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholarships available each year, and the creation of a new college scholarship program offering $1,000 to low-income students.
