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MWSU president urges state lawmakers for $4 million increase as enrollment edges up
Summary
President Dr. Elizabeth Kim told the board the university is seeking a $4 million boost to its core appropriation amid flat state funding and rising fixed costs; she also highlighted modest spring enrollment gains and recruitment agreements with local school districts.
President Dr. Elizabeth Kim used her report to spotlight campus achievements and press a single, high-priority legislative ask: an additional $4 million to the university’s core appropriation.
Kim opened with recognitions — Haley Lindsay (director of financial aid) and faculty awards — then turned to fiscal pressures. She said state budget leaders have signaled a flat appropriation recommendation and warned that flat funding combined with rising fixed costs (including pensions, utilities and software maintenance) is effectively a reduction in purchasing power. ‘‘Our legislative appropriation is not keeping pace with the cost of doing business,’’ Kim said, urging governors and community advocates to press lawmakers on behalf of the university.
Kim framed enrollment gains as part of a broader strategy to increase non‑tuition revenue and retention. She reported a spring headcount increase of about 1.5% to 3,132 students, freshman enrollment growth and regional gains (Buchanan County first-time freshmen up 51 students). Fall recruitment targets were announced: 550 first-time freshmen and 200 transfer students.
Kim also described new recruitment agreements with local school districts (St. Joseph School District, St. Joseph Catholic Academy and Platte City School District) and workforce partnerships, including a planned UMKC dental clinic on campus to expand rural dental access. She asked governors to continue advocacy this spring, noting that Truman State currently receives $23 million more in state funding than Missouri Western and citing consistent advocacy as a differentiator.
Kim said the administration will communicate with faculty and staff about potential cuts if the appropriation remains flat and promised continued advocacy and local fundraising to offset shortfalls.
