How could the state funding formula underfunding Southern University affect the Southern University System?
The Southern University System may face financial and operational strain due to state funding disparities. The current state funding formula has resulted in a $1.2 billion funding disparity between Southern University and Louisiana State University since the 1980s. This chronic underfunding has impacted Southern University's operations, leading to deficiencies in utilities infrastructure, such as an aging power grid that causes repeated outages. Furthermore, the lack of adequate funding has constrained the university's ability to offer programs that meet the state's workforce needs and has affected student services. The university president has requested a $60 million to $100 million investment from the legislature to address these infrastructure issues.
- Effect
- Strong negative
- How direct
- Brind's reasoning
- When
- Over the long term
- The story
- Gone quiet
How it reaches Southern University System
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Southern University President Orlando McMeans asked the task force studying the state's higher education funding formula to address historical underfunding. He cited a $1.2 billion disparity in state funding received by Southern University versus LSU since the 1980s. McMeans stated that the current formula assumes all institutions begin from the same baseline, which he argues is inaccurate.
The full event1independent outlet -
As a core institution within the Southern University System, Southern University's operational deficiencies—including an aging power grid and limited student services—directly impact the overall capacity and stability of the System.
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Public university system in Louisiana
Everything about Southern University System
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- The state funding formula underfunds Southern University.wbrz.com
- There is a $1.2 billion disparity between what Southern and LSU have received from the state since the 1980s.wbrz.com
- Southern University needs $60 million to $100 million investment to address infrastructure issues.wbrz.com
- The underfunding has impacted student services and Southern’s ability to offer programs that meet the state’s workforce needs.wbrz.com
Why it matters
The financial stability of the Southern University System is at stake, as chronic underfunding threatens its ability to maintain essential infrastructure and provide adequate student services. The university president has highlighted that decades of deferred maintenance have contributed to deficiencies in utilities infrastructure, such as an aging power grid that causes repeated power outages and class cancellations.
This issue is part of a broader pattern of underinvestment in Louisiana's higher education. Historically, during Gov. Bobby Jindal’s tenure, higher education was annually on the chopping block to balance the budget. Furthermore, overall public colleges and universities in Louisiana are reported to be underfunded by more than $800 million compared with the start of the Jindal administration.
What we don't know yet
- What specific changes will the Legislative Higher Education Funding and Formula Task recommend to address the disparity?
- Will the legislature provide the requested $60 million to $100 million investment for infrastructure?
What would change this answer
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Reporting
- wbrz.comOct 14
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