Facing state cuts, MSU board approves $286M budget

Even though Missouri State University expects $8 million less in state funds, the school’s board of governors on June 23 approved an increased 2017-18 budget of $286 million.

That’s up from $274 million the board approved a year ago for the 2015-16 academic year. MSU is combatting less state funding through tuition increases and on-campus cuts.

“Missouri State employees have committed to working more efficiently in the face of reduced state appropriations,” MSU President Clif Smart said in the release. “We have also eliminated programs and activities and reduced our workforce to balance our budget.”

In April, Smart held a town hall meeting related to the state budget cuts and the school’s plan to address them. He pointed to $2.8 million in cuts from nonacademic and provost areas, including the elimination of 20 open positions, and a reduction in payroll expenses that included six layoffs. Further cuts were made in online course incentive payments.

Later that month, the board approved an increase in tuition and fees for students in the upcoming academic year to generate $3.4 million in additional revenue.

“As we move forward, we are laser-focused on maintaining academic quality for our students and retaining students through graduation,” Smart said in the release.

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