Governor's Consolidation Plan Draws Backlash from Public University Officials, Students

Under the Governor's proposal, Mississippi Valley State and Alcorn State Universities would merge with Jackson State University.

Officials, alumni and students from several Mississippi universities are balking at Governor Haley Barbour's budget proposals to consolidate the state's 8 universities into 5. MPB's Carl Gibson reports.

Under Governor Barbour's plan, Mississippi Valley State and Alcorn State Universities would be incorporated into Jackson State University. Barbour also proposes that Mississippi State would absorb the Mississippi University for Women. College Board Commissioner Hank Bounds says even if schools are consolidated, state universities will still be hurting for money.

"My estimates show that...let's pick out a university...Mississippi State University...will have to realize about 39 million dollars in cuts alone by the year 2012. There's no university in the state that will look the way it does with the types of cuts that we're talking about."

Jackson State University Senior Kenneth Bunch says the potential elimination of athletic programs could also take away learning opportunities for would-be collegiate athletes.

"It has negaitve implications for our conference, because now you're taking away two conference schools. And...and it's taking athletics away from those two universities where those students, those athletes that go to school there, won't have that money anymore. They won't have those scholarships anymore."

Mississippi Valley State University President Donna Oliver is worried about contributions from future graduates drying up, if those students lose their old alma mater.

"The alumni of Mississippi Valley love their school; it's their identity. And certainly those who have left here want to be able to say the Valley still stands."

Governor Barbour's budget is just a proposal, and Mississippi legislators will ultimately decide how the state is funded.