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The
President's Post
During the Board of Trustee retreat held earlier
this month in Little Rock, Board members approved our preferred budget
plan for 2003-2004. Building this budget was one of the most difficult
challenges we have faced during my presidency, and the on-campus budget
committee spent several hours discussing and debating financial priorities
and constraints. Deciding how and where to spend limited funding is
a serious undertaking, but I truly believe we developed a fair and responsive
budget.
The Board voted to make a monetary transfer from “Board
Designated Funds” as a means, during next year only, for us to
continue our essential support of the Pride & Promise Campaign and
our enrollment marketing initiatives. I am deeply indebted to the Board
of Trustee members for this gesture and their generous support and belief
in what we are accomplishing at Ozarks.
Two key items in the budget involve costs to students
and faculty/staff salary increases. The combined tuition, room, board,
and fees increase is 5.97% for students returning to Ozarks next year.
The total cost for returning students will be $15,941, and that equates
to an actual out-of-pocket increase of $899.00 from this year’s
costs. In regard to salaries, we are assuming a 2% increase in the salary
pool for faculty and professional staff members and 4% for support staff
employees.
If you have any questions about the budget, the following
is a listing of the on-campus budget committee members. Their task was
a difficult one, and they deserve your gratitude for a job well done.
Park Carter, Student Government Vice President
Sherry Davis, Elected Professional Staff Representative
David De Seguirant, Faculty Representative to the
Board
Taylor Dodds, Student Government President
Bruce Elmore, Elected Faculty Representative
Julia Frost, Director of Jones Learning Center
Robert Hilton, Academic Division Chair
Jack Jones, Director of Athletics
Frank Knight, Academic Division Chair/University Senate
Chair
Stuart Stelzer, Director of Library
George Stone, Academic Division Chair
David Strain, Academic Division Chair
Sara Stucky, Elected Support Staff Representative
President’s Staff Members:
Rick Niece Steve
Edmisten
John Jones Daniel
Taddie
Jim Abbuhl Darrell
Williams
Sherrie Arey
Dr. Rick Niece
President.
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